Tuwawa Profile

MEET UNAISI TOLOLO SITABA LEKANAUA

2008-09-16T11:55:00.002+12:00

TALIKING to a school principal is never easy, especially when some have threatening eyes and an uninviting look that make you just want to crawl under the nearest table.

But 57-year old Unaisi Talolo Sitaba Lekenaua is a something quite different altogether. Entering her office at Laucala Bay Secondary one can almost feel the warmth and friendliness radiating from this very vocal woman.

Some people think it is easy to get a Masters degree in Commerce but for Unaisi the event was a double celebration as her graduation last Friday also fell on her birthday.

Born and bred in Keteira Village on Moala in Lau, Unaisi grew up an only child to Mosese Saula Sitaba and Alumita Lomoci. She comes from a family of teachers. Many of her cousins have joined the same profession.

"My uncle Joni Ledua was a headmaster and when I was five years old, I always wanted to be like him, a teacher," she said. "My uncle discouraged me frombeing a teacher because of how badly paid teachers were. "Nearly all of my cousins are teachers and it sort of runs in the family.
"I attended primary school at Uciwai District from Class One to Six and finished my primary education at Draiba Fijian.

"Another uncle was a policeman at Nasova and he brought me to live with him in Suva. "I continued my secondary school at DAV Girls College but when I was in Form Four, I failed Fiji Junior Certificate. "My father came from Moala to take me back to the village but I wanted to continue my education."

In 1968, the University of the South Pacific opened and her father's last wish before he died that year was for her to study teaching at USP. Her father's words remained with her throughout and although she seemed like a lost child after his death, Unaisi was determined to make the most of life.

Given a second chance, Unaisi passed FJC at Ballantine Memorial in 1969 and was one of the first students to sit the New Zealand School Certificate at the school. "When my father died, I lost hope in school and I didn't believe in God. My father was good friends with the principal for Ballantine and when she saw what I was like she told me to work hard.

"I always wanted to be a teacher and I had to work hard to live my dream and fulfill my father's wishes.
"I then went to Ratu Sukuna Memorial to complete Form Six. I failed my University Entrance Exam and repeated Form Six in 1971 and passed." She was a prefect then and during assembly USP representatives came looking for trained teachers.

This was the opportunity she sought and was accepted at USP that same year to study Home Economics. Being carefree and young, Unaisi passed all her units except for Home Economics and decided to look for a school to teach.

"In 1972, I was a licensed teacher at Suva Sangam but I still wanted to complete my education at USP. "I changed my majors to English and Social Science and graduated with a diploma in Education in 1975. "My first posting was to Dreketi High in Macuata and it was there I met my husband Kavaia Lekenaua. "I spent 10 years in Dreketi before I came to Suva in 1986 to complete my degree."

The mother of six was principal at Savusavu Secondary and in 1999, she was the senior education officer for secondary schools in the northern Cakaudrove, Bua and Macuata districts.
She became principal of the Laucala Bay in 2007.

After showing interest in continuing her education, she was awarded a Fijian Affairs Board scholarship under which she completed her postgraduate certificate in public administration in 2006.

In 2007, she went on to complete a postgraduate diploma in the same field. On Friday, she graduated with a Masters degree in Commerce majoring in public administration and management.

"I want to set a standard for my children - that anything is possible. I want to challenge my children to reach this level or higher. "My achievement is for my parents and since Sunday was father's Sunday, this is for mother and husband too.

"Teaching is rewarding and I thank to God - my anchor and strength." Unaisi is also a lay preacher and believes that hard work and determination have carried her through the obstacles of life.

Adpted from Fijitimes Online

MEET JACQUELINE WRIGHT

2008-09-15T14:50:00.001+12:00

LIVING to give is an act inspired by many people. Love and patience is portrayed in the life of Jacqueline Wright (pictured), a compassionate woman who has devoted her time and talents to the children of Hilton hostel.

Jacque, as she is commonly known by the children and visitors to the hostel is a caregiver and has been with the hostel for six years. Mrs Wright built her skills at a very young age while assisting her mother, Marion Sorby and George Wright at the Early Intervention and Hilton Special School.

Her mother is a secretary for the Early Intervention School. She is a mother to six children and a grandmother to three beautiful grandchildren who she loves and adores. The 44-year old grew up in the suburb of Raiwaqa and spent most of her life in Suva.

Jacque is caregiver, doctor and saint to the children at the hostel. This is observable in the work she carries out daily including bathing, feeding, cleaning, training the children to do things for themselves, tidying beds, preparing meals, storytelling, singing and the list goes on.

Jacque believes it is important to talk to children in a calm voice and this has become a school policy where children do not get spanked for doing wrong. Instead, they are corrected in a calm and loving tone. "I was trained at a very young age to have love and patience for disabled children, and it has helped me a lot," she said.

"I was brought up by a single parent and it was not easy. I grew up with a lot of challenges.
"I was the youngest of six and I learnt to live with limited resources. My mum would work hard and although finance was tight, mother did not give up and she worked very hard to educate us."
Jacqueline attended primary school at Vatuwaqa and continued her secondary education at DAV College.

She was not keen on arithmetic and furthered her skills at LDS Technical School where she leant shorthand and typing. She married Harry Bentley and after he died in a car accident, she took on the responsibility of looking after their three children. At times, going through the same experience her mother faced became unbearable.

Despite the circumstances, Jacque continued to work hard and was determined to prolong the work her mother had taught her. "My experience growing up with a single mother helped me overcome my own challenges of being a single parent."

"This did not discourage me from achieving my goals in life. I started work at the Early Intervention Centre six years ago and I have never regretted the decision." Jacque received training through Australian Spastic Centre team who conducted a caregiver workshop at the Early Intervention for teachers.

Jacque received a lot of practical experience with children with different disabilities. Apart from caring for children with disabilities; Jacque cares for old people at the hospital on private arrangements and as a house maid.

"Sometimes the challenges of being a caregiver include sleepless nights, but this does not happen often, only when children fall sick. Because I love and enjoy my work, I don't feel the pinch." Her work has opened up employment opportunities overseas and helped express her God given talents.

"Nursing and loving children with disabilities and who have been abandoned by their biological parents is a blessing for me. "I know God will bless me in his own time, for His words say, 'For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future', Jeremiah 29:11. This profession has taught me a lot; especially having being cared for by a single parent and going through the same experience.

"It has enabled me understand that there are more challenges in life that cannot be solved over night. "Life is full of expectation and challenges and this can only be handled with determination.
"I would like to encourage all single mothers that life is not only filled with sorrows, it has joyful ones only if you're determined to experience them.

Most importantly trust in the Lord for strength and wisdom."

Adpted from Fijitimes Online

MEET ISIMELI QARANIVALU

2008-09-11T10:35:00.002+12:00

AN opportunity that came Isimeli Qaranivalu's way back in high school was one he has not regretted taking on. He said in his final year at Lelean Memorial School in Davuilevu, there was an advertisement in The Fiji Times for apprentices.

But at the same time Mr Qaranivalu had also gotten his acceptance letter from the Fiji School Medicine. He hails from Koro, Lomaiviti and is married with four sons.

"I guess as fate had it I went with Qantas," the 58-year old said.
"I was still at school when I was picked by Qantas to attend their aircraft engineering training school.

"I started with Qantas from 1968 where I did my training in Sydney in 1971. Over the years I became the first local engineering supervisor with Qantas. "That was to look after aircraft maintenance at Nadi airport."

From there Mr Qaranivalu said after Qantas had left he stayed on with Air Terminal Services back in 1981. He was then promoted to Quality Assurance Manager in 1988 before taking on his current position as technical services manager.

He said with senior positions came responsibilities where he and his crew would look after the technical aspects of ATS especially maintenance on aircraft, infrastructure and all procurement supplies for ATS except food supplies.

"I was also the first licensed local for boeing 747," he said. "I am very happy to be with ATS since its inception in 1981 till now. "As time draws near for me to finish my career I am very thankful to ATS and Qantas for giving me a very good opportunity to make use of my life.

Mr Qaranivalu said the aviation industry has come a long way where everything has become hi-tech. He said during the days of the propeller planes, they would change cables and wires.

"From the propeller engine aircraft when I first started they have now gone to hi technology airplanes," he said. "The world of aviation is changing. We are preparing our people and have prepared our people.

"I am glad that I have been able to play a role in the aviation industry through ATS. "I have a good team that I work with and the support from the local people."

Besides being involved in his work, Mr Qaranivalu also works closely with the church and the Lelean Old Scholars Association.

Adapted from Fijitimes Online.

MEET NARDEO MISHRA

2008-09-08T14:49:00.004+12:00

Being a referee for any sports match is not easy especially when trying to ensure a game is played fairly and rules are followed. For Nardeo Mishra, having a courageous heart is what makes a good referee.

Born and bred in Sabeto, Nadi, Nardeo grew up in a farming family. His parents were Vishnu Datt Mishra and Phul Kumari. Nardeo wanted to be a pilot when he was younger but a plane accident in Bua sometime in the 1970's discouraged him from flying again.

"I grew up with my extended family and we had a sugarcane farm. Most of the time we did vegetable farming but I enjoyed helping my father and cousins in the farm.

"It was a hard life but my parents made sure we had food on the table and a roof over our heads," he said. "I am the eldest of five and when we started school we didn't have the luxuries many have today. "Back then, we had to walk two kilometers to school everyday on the dusty roads. We didn't have shoes and our school bag was the sack for flour. "I got my first pair of shoes when I was in Form Three. Even the houses then were bure type and there was hardly any concrete house around."

He attended primary school at Sabeto Indian before continuing his secondary education at Shri Vivekananda High.

Soccer career

His soccer career started when he was still in school representing his primary and secondary school at various soccer competitions. After high school and still managing his time well in between school and soccer practice, Nardeo continued his tertiary education at the University of the South Pacific.

He completed a Diploma in Science and began his teaching career at Labasa Sangam College, All Saints and Bhawani Dayal in Nasinu. "At the same time, I continued to play soccer even when I was teaching in Labasa. I was transferred there in 1974 and I started playing in the Bulileka team and was selected in the Labasa team.

"I played with Jimmy Zoing, Gordon Leewai, Hussain Saheb and Brian Simmons. I also represented Tailevu Naitasiri team in 1977 and took up refereeing in 1978. "My first major break as a referee was in 1979 when I refereed at the South Pacific Games in Suva.

"For me, that was my first international exposure as a referee. I like playing soccer and I find that it is a good way to relieve stress, tension and worry." Being a referee never came easy for Nardeo and he started off as a linesman for soccer matches.

Spending three years as an assistant referee as linesmen are called now, Nardeo started his training as a referee from class three level and slowly but surely made his way up to attain a class one level referee status.

Highlight

Nardeo was considered one of the top local soccer referees at the time. The experience over the years was the kind of exposure he needed to reach the top.

"I had the opportunity to visit countries like Australia, New Zealand, America, Tahiti and other Pacific Island countries. "I managed the national team when they won gold at the 1991 SPG and the Melanesian Cup win in 2000 in Fiji. "I had some very good memories and some very nasty ones during my refereeing career. To be a referee, you must have a courageous heart and you must stand by your actions.

"If you are fit and know the laws of the game, then you should not have any problems. Never try to take sides and listen to the crowd, officials or players. "Be friendly but firm and respect everyone. Try to learn from your mistakes and don't think you know everything." He said using cards is not a good way to control a match.

While the former FIFA referee finds the job demanding, he has left a trail of successes to inspire and motivate those who want to take up this profession seriously.

Adpted from Fijitimes Online

MEET OLIVE WHIPPY

2008-09-01T11:10:00.002+12:00

HARD work and determination are two important ingredients to achieving success even in the banking industry, according to Olive Whippy.

The former national basketball rep is the human resources manager for Westpac Banking Corporation in Suva. Managing work, family and sports commitments simultaneously back then, Olive said nothing beats hard work and time management.

She was born Olive Henning at Waiyevo, Taveuni but raised by her aunt at Vunivalu Road off Brown Street, Suva with her other siblings. Very outgoing and independent, Olive had a normal upbringing like most kids who grew up at Brown Street.

"Growing up was fun and we did the usual things sliding down drains and climbing guava trees.
"I was very active and played a lot of sports such as hockey, athletics, netball and eventually basketball," she said. "I never really thought about what I wanted to do but I was mostly into sports."

She attended Stella Maris Primary School and went to the all-girls St Joseph's Secondary School at Waimanu Road. After high school, she decided to find a job to help out with financial constraints at home. She applied for a job with Westpac and was offered a position as a customer service representative.

"I felt good because I was able to get a job. "I never looked back from there. "We had a training centre at Waimanu Road so we had training there. "I started off from customer service then to savings, examiner, bank teller and later team leader in foreign exchange.

"I always had this leadership role even when I was young. "I moved on to become a foreign exchange dealer then a supervisor in cards to manager for electronic banking." Even though she reached Form Six, Olive worked her way up the banking ranks to become an example of what one can achieve through hard work.

She believes and has learned that to get somewhere in life, one should be steadfast and diligent.
Olive said most people generally thought banking was all about handling money but there were different areas of specialty including marketing, foreign exchange and information technology.
"There's a lot that people can do in the banking industry and it is not only confined to just dealing with money.

"It is a very challenging job being in a leadership role but I don't see these challenges as a hindrance to my job. "I have love for the people I work with and I see that when I can assist the human side of things, business will run well."

In 1992, she attended a managerial course in Italy sponsored by the International Labour Organisation. During that visit, Olive had the opportunity to travel to various countries including Switzerland, Germany, Austria and the Vatican in Rome.

Apart from her role as human resources manager, Olive represented Fiji in basketball from 1979 to 2003. She is married to Paul Whippy and they have seven children. Thanks to the help of her extended family, Olive managed to make her country proud and family happy, all this while climbing the success ladder at Westpac.

"I always tell my children hard work kills no man," she said.

Adpted from Fijitimes Online

MEET RAUBANE KIRIMAUA

2008-08-29T09:35:00.002+12:00

A healthy life is a happy life and 59-year old Raubane Kirimaua has a goal to help people understand the benefits that come from a healthy lifestyle. Raubane is the president of Pasifika Health Reform Ministry, a non-profit cooperation promoting better health amongst Pacific islanders.

Based in Honolulu, Hawaii, Raubane said the aim of the cooperation is based on scientific and biblical guidelines. While he may be a certified secondary school teacher with two Masters' degrees, Raubane did not live a life of riches and fame.

Born and bred on the island of Abemama, Kiribati, Raubane is sixth in a family of eight children. His father Raubane Tobinabina was a magistrate while his mother Tekua Kirimaua was a housewife. Growing up on the island, Raubane never really thought about what he wanted to be when he was younger.

He did not even think he would ever leave the island and this was because the opportunities were very limited.

"Life on the island was very rural. I remember collecting just enough coconuts and firewood for the family. "Basically, we used what we needed. My parents were very staunch Seventh Day Adventists," he said. "My father was advanced in his education and he pushed us to get a good education but to move on to the next level was up to us.

"I did not think about what I wanted to do in life. I was like any other kid, just floating around, going with the wind." He attended SDA kindergarten before completing his primary education at Kauma SDA School.

There were no SDA secondary schools at the time so he came to Fiji to complete his secondary school at Fulton College in Tailevu. His first time to Fiji and away from Abemama Island, Raubane was very excited about the experience especially the fact it was away from home.

Raubane completed the Fiji Junior Certificate exam and went on to finish the New Zealand School Certificate exam. At the same time, he managed to graduate from Fulton College with a diploma in secondary school teaching majoring in mathematics and science.

"Boarding life at Fulton was an eye-opener especially when life was away from home. I was very excited but at the same time I learned a lot about being independent. "I had to wash my own clothes because my mother was not there but then again it taught me how to be responsible.
"After Fulton College, I continued my studies at the University of the South Pacific majoring in geography and demography from 1973 to 1976.

"I later taught at SDA mission secondary schools in Fiji including Navesau in Wainibuka and Beulah College in Tonga." He applied to join the East West Centre in Hawaii and worked for the government teaching at an all-boys high school. Things turned out for the better and he was sponsored by the centre to complete a Masters degree at the University of Hawaii.

Raubane first majored in Geography and later switched to public health after a physician relative persuaded him to help the public health department in Kiribati. "I worked for a while with the Kiribati Health Ministry and was later posted to Sopas hospital in the interior of Papua New Guinea.

"This is where I picked up and realised the needs of the people. Some people are illiterate and not well educated about chronic diseases. "It is important for people to understand the kind of food they are eating and the health benefits."

After attaining his doctorate in public health from Loma Linda University in California, Raubane headed a health van clinic moving around the city of San Francisco to do cholesterol checks and other medical checkups. Apart from that, Raubane does regular exercise and as best he can tries to encourage people to stick to local and organic foods.

"It is important for people to maintain natural remedy. Taking up this profession in promoting good health is very satisfying because you will not run out of patients."

To be able to help people live a healthier, happy life is something Raubane finds fulfilling about his profession in public health.

Adapted from Fijitimes Online

MEET ADI SALOTE RAMATAI

2008-08-13T10:34:00.003+12:00

It was August 8 and her eyes sparkled like the blue ocean in the distance.
The Marama Na Buli Raviravi was happy and it was not because the Olympic Games had opened in its brilliant splendour half across the globe in China.

I met up with Adi Salote Ramatai, 96, (pictured) as she sat in her wheelchair atop a hillside having an eagle's eye view of the Integrated Port Development at Wairiki in Bua. The day was special indeed for Adi Salote for the $15million pine chip mill was being commissioned ushering in a new era of development for her province.

"I have waited a long time for this day, to see something big happening for my province, my people at Wairiki and it is emotional indeed for me today," her voice trembled with emotion.

"From the time I was a little girl to now, this is the first time I have seen something big happening for Bua. The only other big thing was when they made the road from Labasa to Nabouwalu. I remember I used to stand by the roadside and watch and wonder where that road would take me.

"Today I wonder about the future and can see a change for the better for my province. Many of the younger generation have left in search of jobs in towns and cities, and some have just left because it is so hard living in Bua because the infrastructure is not that good.

"Many want a better standard of living, they want electricity and proper water supply and that's why they have left their vanua. I really can't blame them." Her voice was a mere a whisper as she struggled to speak while the thick red cardigan she wore seemed out of place in the brilliant midday sun.

"I don't have much longer; while my life declines it thrills me that my province is finally getting developed. It used to hurt me that so much development used to go to the other two provinces Macuata and Cakaudrove but maybe the winds of change are now blowing through Bua," she added.

The machines from the pine chip mill and the port that stretched out to sea gleamed in the sunlight almost an indication of the bright future ahead. With the commissioning of the pine chip mill, logging is set to begin in earnest with landowners participating fully in logging pine, receiving stumpage and lease money all to the value of not less then $10m annually.

Infrastructural changes to road, water supply and electricity are some of the flow on effects of the integrated port development. Adi Salote is the traditional ruler of the area where the Wairiki port is located. Growing up at Nabouwalu Village back in the 1920's was one largely dedicated to service.

"As a young girl growing up in a chiefly family I had my obligations to meet. I never went to school until I was 17. That's the age when I started learning the alphabet and counting and I remember I was so excited when I could say the ABC right through to Z," she recounted.

"Life was also different then. Girls never went out anywhere, but stayed home a lot learning household chores, cooking and sewing. Those are the things that I love to do when I can. "But girls are different nowadays. They are out there competing with men in the workplace and they are tougher in a way. But I don't want to focus on that."

Adi Salote said the best change she wants to remember and live for is the development changes that will happen in Bua. "It's been so long but I'm glad it has begun. It's time for the new Bua."

Adapted from Fijitimes Online

MEET SUDHA KANT

2008-08-12T13:32:00.003+12:00

Everything about teaching makes life worth living for 56-year-old Sudha Kant. The secondary school teacher at Vuci Mission has been in the teaching field for about 34 years and has enjoyed every minute of it.

With her bright smile and likeable personality, Sudha was elated when asked to share a bit about her career. Her reaction is what is expected of any teacher who has a lot of love and appreciation for their students.

But Sudha's journey to discovering her hidden passion was a rocky one especially growing up in a family of 13 children. Ninth in the family, Sudha was born and bred in Ba.

Her parents, Ranjit Singh and Ray Mati were both farmers who worked hard to provide for the needs of their big family. Living on a sugar cane farm, Sudha had to help out with family chores in and outside the home. Like her other siblings, Sudha worked in the farm, looking after the animals and even help with subsistence farming.

"Life then was very interesting although at the time I thought it was a hard life. Living on a farm is hard especially a sugarcane farm," she said. "We would work in the field every day and since there were a lot of us, there was no need for hired help.

"Apart from sugarcane, we did subsistence farming. We grew all kinds of dhal and this helped a lot with our big family. We used to get water from the well. Washing of dishes, clothes and bathing was done at the nearby river.

"Sometimes we would ride the horse to the river for a drink. Most importantly, I learnt how to swim every time I went down to the river." The burdens of life never ceased even when she started school. She attended primary school at Vatulaulau Sanatam Dharam before completing her secondary education at Ba Sangam High.

Sudha walked to school until she was in Class Five when her parents could afford to pay her bus fare. "My brothers and sisters used to walk to school too and I still remember how we used to walk in a single file like in school. In our time we had a lot of opportunities. When I was in Form Four in 1968, I wanted to do nursing.

"I was inspired by my friends who joined nursing school but my father said no. He wanted me to continue with school work and get an education. "He died when I was in Form Five and after that I got inspired to take up teaching. My mother was very strict but at that time it was very easy to get into teaching."

After completing Form Five, Sudha became a licenced teacher and started her profession teaching at three schools. She then decided to teach at Moto Sanatan Dharam primary which was closest to home.

She taught for a year before she completed her two-year training at Nasinu Teachers College.
Her first posting after she graduated from NTC was to Balebasoga school for a year. She lived with her sister in Labasa and in 1975 she moved to Nausori. She married Rajni Kant and is a mother of three.

"My two sons are teachers and their wives are teachers too. My daughter is in Form Six. "I taught at Dilkusha Girls most of my teaching life and for me teaching children from different backgrounds is the challenging aspect of this profession. "The future of our children is in the hands of teachers and as teachers we have to ensure that students are learning the right concept.
"My advice for those wanting to take up this profession is to be committed and dedicated especially at primary school level."

Adpted from Fijitimes Online

George believes in hard work - Fiji Times Online

2008-08-11T14:56:00.000+12:00

George believes in hard work - Fiji Times Online

2008-08-11T14:55:00.000+12:00

George believes in hard work - Fiji Times Online

MEET MATAIASI TUMAITOGA

2008-08-07T09:00:00.003+12:00

MATAIASI Tumaitoga, 45, (pictured) bears the telltale signs of a person who spends a lot of time at sea.

Sprinklings of salt trace his sun weathered face and his palms are roughly calloused by a combination of hard labour and the thousands of cuts from fishing lines and sharp fins.

I first saw him as he pulled his outboard powered boat towards the shore at Lakeba Village within the Namuka district, one of those villages that line the coast towards the northern tip of Vanua Levu. Lakeba Village borders Namuka and Dogotuki districts in Macuata and is the last stop for the public bus.

Mr Tumaitoga had just had a great catch and this was easily enough gauged from the brilliant smile that lit his face as he surveyed his spoils, about five 50kg sacks filled to their brims with fish. He calculated his catch for the day at about $200 and he couldn't stop grinning.

"I have been out the whole night at sea laying nets. It was cold, and I was hungry but that is what I do week in, week out. I have no other choice. My family like many other families in this village solely depends on the sea for survival," he said.

Mr Tumaitoga's career as a fisherman began when he could barely finish an intelligible sentence at the tender age of 3. "My father took me along on his fishing trips, teaching me how to bait the line, spin it out and when I could tell a fish was biting on the other side. Sometimes I cried because all I wanted to do at that age was play, eat and sleep but I guess he was only preparing me for the tough life of a fisherman," he related.

Mr Tumaitoga's day begins at the crack of dawn or sometimes it finishes at that time. "Well if I need to lay out nets early, then I start out early but there are times when we need to catch bigger fish so we go out diving at night when fish are sleeping so we tend to bring in a bigger catch which will ultimately mean more money for our pockets."

Companionship on these trips out in the dead of the night is crucial. He says it is for safety, survival and to ease the workload because it can get very lonely and scary being the only human surrounded by the vast blackness.

"That's why we usually dive in pairs because if something goes wrong, there's someone there to raise the alarm." Even though he has made numerous trips out to sea, this fisherman never takes the sea lightly.

"What I do is dangerous. That much I know. The sea is no man's friend. People say 'kaiwai' meaning 'person of the sea' but the only 'kaiwai' I know are the fish and the sharks and other living organisms that call the sea home. If I am not careful of the dangers, than the sea will take me," he said.

"I have had my encounters with sharks and I sometimes feel fear when I spot them, but most times I realise that when you respect the sea and its inhabitants, and just take what you need for your family's needs, the sea respects you right back. That's the way of life my ancestors practised and which I continue."

Despite the hardships and the challenges brought on by stormy weather and the rise in fuel prices, Mr Tumaitoga said he would not trade his life at the village, nor his career as a fisherman for an 'easier' life in town.

"I don't think people in towns have an easier life. I will stay on in the village because I think there are less financial commitments, there's no one to boss me around while I fish, I eat off the land and sea so I have a healthier lifestyle, and I am living out the life that marks me as an indigenous person," he said.

"I participate in the obligations of the vanua, the church and solesolevaki with other villagers for the interest of the community, speak my dialect fluently and know all the indigenous practices that a person from my village or district should know. So no thanks, I prefer village life."

Adpted from Fijitimes Online

MEET APOROSA DUWAI

2008-08-04T16:19:00.002+12:00

FINDING a good job to support his family was all Aporosa Duwai could think of as a boy.

Born and bred in the village of Daria, Bua in Vanua Levu Aporosa is the post master at the Vunidawa post office.

The 31-year-old was brought up by his single mother Kaliveni Dicina who struggled to support Aporosa and his older brother. Life was not easy for him especially when his mother was the only breadwinner in the family.

"It was hard for us and my mother worked hard to make ends meet and put us through school. She would go to sea and fish. She worked in the plantation to put us through school. "It was not an easy life. We even helped out with plantation work but my mother was really the one who struggled to provide for us."

Aporosa attended primary school at Ratu Luke Memorial before going to Bua College.
He then moved to Suva and settled in Lami. He completed secondary education at Saraswati College in Nausori.

"All I was thinking of was finding a job to support my mother. After high school, I completed two units in an agricultural course at the Fiji Institute of Further Education. "I did not complete the course and decided to look for a job. I applied to Post Fiji and was employed as a postman in Suva. My job was to deliver mail to the Suva areas. I worked as a postman in Suva for three years before I was transferred to Lakeba."

His transfer meant a new posting and he took on the role of post master in Lakeba for three years. Responsible for the overall operations and services of the post office, Aporosa grew to love the job he never thought he would end up doing.

He was then transferred to manage the Kadavu post office where he continued his role for four years. He met his wife Mere in Lakeba. Aporosa's job as a post master is not easy especially striving to ensure customer satisfaction and postal reliability.

"From Kadavu I was transferred to Vunidawa. This is my second year and it's a challenging job. My job is to manage telephone payments, Western Union and the general functions of the post shop.

"I am responsible for postal operations at Vunidawa including customer service." The challenging part of his work is preparing and balancing accounts at the end of the month. He said it took up a lot of time as the financial accounts had to be balanced and accounted for.

For someone who has a load on his shoulder, Aporosa loves to spend his time away from work with his family who live just a few metres from the post office. Aporosa is expecting the birth of his second child and believes it was through hard work that he reached this phase in his life. "I never thought I would be in this profession but I have never regretted it.

"I am happy and find it satisfying to be able to help people through our postal services. "My advice for those who may be facing a bleak future is work hard at achieving your goals and dream.

Adapted from Fijitimes Online.

MEET SUSHILA DEVI

2008-07-31T14:50:00.001+12:00

SHE spends most of her time, seven days a week selling produce at the market. Sushila Devi, 42, (pictured) is one of three Indian vendors at the Makoi Market in Nasinu.

She has been selling vegetables there for the past 13 years and said business was not as good as it used to be.
But Ms Devi has over the years made many good friends with other vendors.

"They are all friends," she said. "We have to look after each other." A few minutes later, she calls out to another vendor. "I've being selling her vegetables for her because she was feeling sick and went to see the doctor (at the health centre across the road)."

Ms Devi said her husband, who sells vegetables with her, had gone to the supermarket so she sat and talked to her friend, Puspha. Among their produce are cabbages, tomatoes, chillies, corn, pumpkin, okra, rourou, bean, cucumber and the list goes on.

They buy vegetables from farmers in Suva or Nausori. Ms Devi's petite size could have you mistake her for a woman 10 years her junior. You would find it hard to believe that she has two sons, Ranish, 23, and Shalvin, 17. Her eldest is a school teacher at a rural school in Ba, while Shalvin no longer attends school because of an injury.

Ms Devi and her husband travel from their home at Naduru Feeder Road in Kuku, Nausori. But Ms Devi is originally from Makoi and her family still lives there. She was educated at Bhawani Dayal primary and high schools. After completing school and at the age of 18, she married her husband.

Every morning Ms Devi wakes up early, prepares the family's breakfast and makes sure that everything is okay for her father-in-law, who is 85. "My father-in-law lives with us so I have to make sure that he is okay and that his meals are cooked because he's old," she said. After all the preparations and cleaning is complete, the couple leave home at about 8.30am on weekdays for Makoi.

"We are lucky that we have a van," she said. "But we are still paying it off. "We leave the market around 6.30pm. We can no longer stay late because it's not very safe. "When we leave in the evening all we do is cover the vegetables and a watchman looks after our stalls."

On Saturday and Sunday, the couple also sells at the market but only this time they leave home at 6.30am. Ms Devi says while the price of just about everything has increased, she still finds the time to sit with her friends, tell stories and make it a point to enjoy the day.

Adapted from Fijitimes Online

MEET RATU JOLAME LEWANAVANUA

2008-07-29T11:37:00.003+12:00

He is originally from Sawaieke in Gau but has made his life among the Indian farmers in Lokia on the east bank of the Sigatoka River.

He can pass to be an Indian farmer, if he is sitting among them. This is because he is fluent in the language. He is the Lomaiviti Provincial Council chairman Ratu Jolame Lewanavanua. Ratu Jo is more popular to the people in Nadroga/Navosa than among his very own.

He has been living there for the past 37 years and earns his dollars from toiling the fertile soil on the banks of the Sigatoka River. Being a successful vegetable farmer is not a bed of roses.

It involves sacrifice, hard work and a lot of faith in God. It all began when he bought 10 acres of freehold land in Lokia past Raiwaqa Village about 30 years ago and began his life from nothing except his fork and spade. He made the move after he realised that his farming in Narairaiwaqa, an island off Bau was not getting the return he anticipated.

How he went to Bau is a long story. Born to Ratu Filipe Lewanavanua and Makereta Tabuatoga of Vusaradave in Bau and bred in Vunitarawau in Suva, the Gau chief was what you can call a town boy. But he was always interested in farming despite his father's wish for him to be a doctor.

His dad was an epidemiologist who had a vision for his six children but Ratu Jo defied it. He decided to drop out of Marist Brothers High School when he was in Form Five and asked his mother if he could go to Bau.

With his mother's connection he managed to go to Narairawaqa and stayed there for five years similar to English castaway Robinson Crusoe. It was also one of those years that he met his wife Adi Kinisimere from the nearby Viwa Island. While on the island, he used to go to and sell his vegetables at the Suva Market.

"Since I have to go early in the morning, I used to go and have my bath at the public toilet there," he said. Ratu Jo used to be the only male vendor among the women that used to gather there. "My father used to come to the market early on Saturday morning and asked me to come back home."

But Ratu Jo was determined that he was cut out to be a farmer and a successful one too.
During those days at the market, he was impressed with the quality of vegetables from Sigatoka Valley and wished that he could go there.

His wish was granted when he saw a piece of land on sale up there. The rest is history. The man from Gau's contribution to his community, in the province he is staying in and Sigatoka will not go unnoticed. The Sigatoka community had confidence in him and trusted him to lead their Coral Coast Carnival.

He is currently a member of the National Council for Making A Better Fiji. He has four children who all grew up in Lokia and spoke both the main languages fluently.

And their interest also lies in farming. 10 things

l He never worked for anyone
l He has never received a salary in his life
l His father, an epidemiologist, was the one that introduced frog in Fiji from Hawaii
l His father took frogs everywhere in Fiji but not on his island- Gau
l Lived on an island off Bau- Narairaiwaqa for five years like Robinson Crusoe
l Speaks fluent Hindi and is the only Fijian family in the area he lives in Lokia, Sigatoka
l First Fijian meeting he chaired was when he was appointed to be deputy chairman of Lomaiviti Provincial Council in 2004
l He is a lay preacher of the Methodist Church in Fiji
l He loves helping people
l He is retiring, but gives advice to his two sons that run his farm

Adapted from Fijitimes online

MEET LEBA TUDRAVU,SKILLED KUTA WEAVER

2008-07-14T20:58:00.001+12:00

FIVE years ago, Leba Tudravu started learning an art she yearned to know from her childhood days.
That yearning was borne out of watching her grandmother weave suits made out of kuta (reed mat).
And because she was too young to learn the art, as she says, her grandmother promised her that when she grew older, she would be taught the magical weaving of kuta an art not as commonly known to Fijian women who are more at home with voivoi mat weaving.
So when she reached her early 20s, Leba's grandmother taught her the basics of kuta weaving and its preparation from harvesting to planting.
"My grandmother taught me how to plant kuta and how to keep the farm clean and how to harvest the kuta and dry it out.
"That's the basics I first learnt before moving onto the actual softening process of kuta straw and piling it together for weaving and other basic preparations before the actual weaving started," Mrs Tudravu said.
She said when she first learnt the art of weaving, it was quite difficult as she had to get used to the twisting and turning of the kuta straws.
"My grandmother taught me how to weave the kuta ... it was tricky and hard trying to put one kuta under another but I got used to it and it was great fun after that," Mrs Tudravu said.
She clearly remembers disappointing her grandmother at some stages of the learning process.
Although Mrs Tudravu believes it was part of her training, she enjoyed it any way because she desired to turn it into a small business to help support her family.
"So after that, exactly five years ago I learnt the trade myself and started weaving wedding suits, table mats and different kind of mats such as the vakabati, delana, coco and small dress suits for the children.
"Ever since starting that trade, I hasve earned enough money to support my family and my husband's farming," Mrs Tudravu said.
She said many orders had come in from overseas Australia and New Zealand and other clients from Viti Levu.
"I earn good money ... more than $500 a month and that has helped me support my family.
"The weaving of wedding suits takes me three days to complete and weaving of table mats takes a day while the different types of mats takes four days," Mrs Tudravu said.

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MEET SELAI BUASALA OF NASAU, MOCE, LAU

2008-07-11T21:39:00.002+12:00

Visits to the museum would leave many in awe especially witnessing the many traditional and cultural materials in Fiji. One of the most popular handicrafts with traditional significance is tapa making and designs.
The person responsible for promoting this artistic work is Selai Buasala (pictured).
She is part of the Fiji delegation to the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts in Pagopago, American Samoa at the end of the month.
During the 10-day event, Selai will showcase her notable tapa designs to talented artists from around the Pacific.
However, the art of tapa making and designing is not easy. Selai had to learn traditional tapa designs when she was a little girl.
Born and bred in Nasau Village on Moce Island, Selai is the youngest of five children. Her parents were Ilaisa and Atelaite Vakaloloma.
Growing up on the island was simple especially when access to food sources was efficient.
"Life in the village was good. Food was easy to get and most of the time we helped our parents with the workload. My mother made traditional tapa designs and we had a tapa plantation nearby.
"As a child, I remember going to the plantation to pull out weeds. This was a chore done every Monday. We use the bark of a tree to make masi or the tapa. Basically, tapa is a cloth made from the bark of the tree after continuous beating and drying."
She attended primary school at Moce District before coming to Suva where she continued her secondary education at Ballantine Memorial.
Selai was used to having her parents around and left school at the beginning of Form Four.
She returned to the island where she continued to help to help her mother with masi making.
Spending time with her mother, Selai was able to make and design her own tapa.
"When we finished with our designs, we would sell these to the co-op shop which would then bring it to Suva to sell. Tapa making is easy money and this is something I am proud of.
"The prints on the tapa I make are traditional designs I learnt from my mother back on the island. There are different designs which mean different things. Usually, one has to beat the tapa, dry it and then print the designs."
She returned to Suva at the age of 18 where she lived with her sister.
Selai spent her time looking after the children and painting her designs on vanguard sheets to sell.
She said tapa was not available at the time and she had to make do with vanguard sheets.
She later returned to her place of birth and took up tapa making full time. In 2001, she moved back to Suva and set up a home in Korova settlement in Nasese.
Since then, she has continued to beat, dry and paint her tapa designs for a living. Her hard work, dedication and perseverance to support her family paid off when she was awarded Artistic Excellence in The Masi Category.
"This event was organised by the Fiji Arts Council during an Art Exhibition in February this year. I was very happy and honoured by the award because I knew my talent was being recognised.
"Whenever I finish a design, I feel proud of where I come from. It is a good feeling knowing that part of your culture and tradition is shown in something you make. That is why I am proud of what I do." This recognition gave her the opportunity to take part in the festival as well as to showcase her designs to other Pacific Islanders.
The mother of eight children never anticipated the opportunity to be part of a regional event.
Although this would be her first time to travel abroad, Selai is looking forward to meeting and learning different cultures and traditions.
"I am hoping to meet and talk to other designers about tapa designs. It would be interesting to know about the different designs in different countries. I am very excited about the trip and I know it will be an eye opener for me," she said.
"My advice for people would be to work hard at your passion. In terms of tapa making, it is important to teach the younger generation this art and craft. It will help them value their culture and traditions." The delegation will leave on the 17th of this month but the Festival of Pacific Arts will start from July 20 to August 2.

ADAPTED FROM FIJITIMES ONLINE

MEET LETILA MITCHELL, DIRECTOR OF FIJI ARTS COUNCIL

2008-07-09T10:04:00.003+12:00

With the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts approaching, many talented and artistic individuals in Fiji are gearing up to showcase the multicultural essence our country is blessed with. The main theme of traditional dances and songs has widened to include various forms of art and creativity. Reporter
GERALDINE PANAPASA talks to Fiji Arts Council director Letila Mitchell about the festival.
TIMES: When did the arts festival start and why?
MITCHELL: The idea of a Festival of Pacific Arts was first put forward by the Fiji in the early 1970s as part of the cultural component of the South Pacific Games. Then it was taken to another level by the Conference of the South Pacific Commission (now the Pacific Community) in an attempt to combat the erosion of traditional customary practices.
Since 1972, delegations from 27 Pacific island countries and territories have come together to share and exchange their cultures at each Festival of Pacific Arts. In 1977, at the 3rd meeting of the South Pacific Festival Council (now the Council of Pacific Arts), the council determined that the festival's major theme should continue to be traditional songs and dances and that participating countries and territories should be free to include other activities depending on the resources available to them. The festival was conceived by the SPC's governing conference in an attempt to combat the erosion of traditional customary practices.
It grew out of the desire expressed by Pacific island leaders for the people of the region to share their culture and establish deeper understanding and friendship between countries.
TIMES: What is the purpose of the festival?
MITCHELL: To generate pride in one's indigenous heritage, focus on sustaining the transmission of Pacific knowledge, skills and traditions and united as a region to protect and uphold unique cultures but a common heritage that links and connects all Pacific people.
TIMES: How often is the festival held?
MITCHELL: Every four years
TIMES: How many countries are participating?
MITCHELL: The 27 countries are American Samoa, Australia, the Cook Islands, Easter Island, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Hawaii, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Norfolk Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Pitcairn Island, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Wallis and Futuna.
TIMES: What is the significance of the festival to Pacific islands?
MITCHELL: The festival is recognised as a major international cultural event and is the largest gathering where Pacific people unite to gain respect for and appreciation of one another within the context of the changing Pacific. Visits of Pacific people from one island to another have always been important occasions.
Trade, social visits and exchange of dances, music, food and crafts have served as opportunities for islanders to learn from one another and have assisted in the dynamic transformation of culture. Today, the Festival of Pacific Arts helps maintain a sense of Pacificness among island communities. There is awareness that, although a group of people may reside on tiny atolls far from island neighbours, they are part of a greater Pacific-wide culture.
Recognition of a common Pacific identity can be a strong motivating force for individual communities to revive and cherish their traditional forms of cultural expression. Young Pacific islanders were traditionally raised in an environment that taught them their language, history and traditional knowledge and skills but many ways of passing on the traditions and skills are disappearing.
A realisation of what has been missing in the more westernised island culture is one of the reasons young islanders train long and hard for each festival, seeking to uncover the secrets of ancient music and chants, costumes, body art and language.
To be part of a delegation to the festival is deemed an honour. The festival has no competition and performers do not seek to compete against others but the festival has stimulated a new sense of cultural pride among islanders young and old, generates excitement, pride and promise for the arts and cultures in the region.
It enables young contemporary artists and performers to express themselves and their talent and helps bridge the gap between traditional cultural expressions and the aspirations of our youth.
The festival makes a significant contribution to the evolution of Pacific island identities. For the region, the festival promotes unity by encouraging mutual appreciation and respect for one another's culture.
It also improves political and economic stability by developing a deeper sense of solidarity and unites the geographically isolated island countries and territories, facilitating inter-regional communication.
The festival is also an important instrument in the preservation of the performing and production skills underlying the broad variety of cultural expressions in the Pacific.
Expertise and skills in crafts have been rediscovered and revitalised while traditional and ceremonial performances have been rediscovered, revived and in some cases updated. Tourism and related industries have also benefited, with proceeds often going to local communities.
TIMES: How important is Fiji's participation at the festival?
MITCHELL: Fiji is seen as one the leaders in the Pacific in many areas such as sustainable development, education, technology, etc. Therefore, it is important for Fiji to participate in strength at the festival as part of its responsibility to the region but in its leadership role being committed to uphold and protect its national heritage. It is also important for Fiji to participate in the festival because of the honour it bestows on our artisans and performers who are given the mandate to represent Fiji at the festival.
There is nothing more important than to represent your nation, your province, your tikina and your family. The festival, like the Olympic Games for sports people, bestows this honour on artists who show integrity, passion and commitment to their art form but also to their cultural heritage.
The festival is also a unique opportunity for our artists to network, generate ideas and exchange knowledge with other delegations. It is important for development as well as to show our excellence in the arts.
TIMES: What categories will Fiji's delegation participate in?
MITCHELL: Traditional dance, contemporary dance, theatre, fashion, woodcarving, weaving, masi making, canoe and navigation, heritage art workshops and demonstrations, fine art, symposiums, photography, film, literary art, culinary art and music.
TIMES: How many will represent Fiji?
MITCHELL: Eighty artists have been selected to represent Fiji.
TIMES: How is the trip to the festival funded?
MITCHELL: By the Government
TIMES: Are there awards given for each category?
MITCHELL: No, it is not a competition. The focus is transmission of knowledge and skills
The major theme has been traditional dances and songs. Fiji will participate in contemporary dance and theatre production.
TIMES: Is this the first time to have these categories?
MITCHELL: No, Fiji is one of the countries at the forefront of exhibiting and performing contemporary art. It is still a new component of the festival so Fiji, alongside PNG, New Zealand and New Caledonia has been a pioneer in contemporary art.
TIMES: Are there enough opportunities in Fiji to express the talents and creativity many people have?
MITCHELL: There are many international opportunities but there has been little support in the past for our artists to reach or to be a part of the opportunities. Things are changing as our governments realise the importance and potential of the creative industry.
Pacific art is a natural resource and something that needs to be developed and invested in. With increased investment will come increased potential for income and sustainable careers for all our people.
TIMES: What are some programs implemented by the Fiji Arts Council to develop art and craft in Fiji?
MITCHELL: The five key projects for 2008 are heritage art exhibitions and workshops, fine art exhibitions, breaking barriers program that focuses on developing creative industries in disadvantaged or at risk communities such as prisons, squatter settlements or youths at risk, skills development workshops and programs, strengthening creative industries and international market development and Dance Fiji.
TIMES: What is the Pacific Arts Alliance?
MITCHELL: It is a network of Pacific artists, art organisations, art managers throughout the Pacific who share knowledge, skills and resources to develop the art sector in the region.
It is a network of organisations such as the Fiji Arts Council, GalleryPNG, Siapo Association in New Caledonia, Tautai Trust in New Zealand and many other collectives or organisations and individuals who serve a common purpose to build the Pacific through the arts, to support and protect each other as Pacific people, empower and develop the Pacific as a collective Pacific voice.
TIMES: How important is it for people to preserve and maintain culture and tradition?
MITCHELL: Culture and tradition are like the roots of a tree. If the roots are embedded in the soil the whole tree will be well nourished, strong in a storm and grow to its full potential.
I believe that a person with a spirit strongly rooted in his heritage and focussed on being connected to his land will be a unique person, balanced and powerful.
Without that connection and without our heritage, we become part of the mass and often have nothing to hold on to in a storm. I am a strong advocate of difference.
TIMES: What usually happens after the festival?
MITCHELL: For the most part there is a lapse of four years but we hope that with increased support and investment in art the festival will become a stepping stone for those who participate, that they come back rooted in their culture, inspired and motivated to continue to create and pursue a path of excellence.
TIMES: Any other comment?
MITCHELL: This is a unique opportunity for our artists and I just want to encourage the media and members of the public to lend their support and congratulations to the delegation.
It is a time of honour for our artists and by providing a launch we hope the families of the artists, friends and the various communities that make up our multicultural country come to show them how proud they are of their achievement.

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MEET VILIAME RABUKA OF NAMOLI VILLAGE, BATINIKAMA, MACUATA

2008-07-04T23:59:00.001+12:00

THE only recording studio in Labasa Town has become a favourite spot for local singers who had previously struggled to expose their singing talents because of financial constraints.
Viliame Rabuka's recording studio, which opened early this year has bloomed and recorded about 10 albums of singers in the Northern Division.
Mr Rabuka who is from Namoli Village in Batinikama outside Labasa Town opened the studio after seeing what he felt was a "great need in the area" when he came for a holiday.
"For me it was about helping the people back home who have great talents in singing and playing music and this was something I saw during my visit back home so with the little money I had, I started the new studio," he said.
"But it saddened me to learn that most of these talents were not exposed because there was no recording studio in Labasa or any town in the north," Mr Rabuka said.
"Groups of singers or musicians could not afford to travel to Suva to record their new albums because it cost them big money and most of them are farmers and not working which made it difficult." Mr Rabuka said after seeing what the people in the north faced especially people from his village, he felt for them and decided to help expose their talents.
"I have experience in this field and after seeing the demand for such business in Labasa, I decided to stay on and I have seen an increase in bookings from music groups on a daily basis," he said.
Mr Rabuka said the first group to record an album with him was a group from his village, known as Suka Vulavula ni Lomai Labasa.
Mr Rabuka plans to expand his studio business and plans to offer more opportunities for demanding customers in the division.

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MEET SETOKI CEINATURAGA OF NAIGANI, TAILEVU

2008-07-01T17:51:00.002+12:00

THE tourism industry is the perfect place for people to be able to meet and interact with others from all corners of the world.
This is one of the main reasons why people throughout the country are attracted to positions within the industry.
But for a few like Setoki Ceinaturaga, employment in tourism is not just for him to meet people of other cultural backgrounds.
The 30-year-old has a vision of transforming the experience gained during his employment into lasting benefits for the people of his home-island, Naigani, Tailevu.
Ever since the father of two joined the industry nine years ago, he has always worked towards the goal of opening and managing a property on the island owned by the people of Naigani.
Mr Ceinaturaga first joined the industry after securing a position at the exclusive Naigani Island Resort in 1999.
But after working at the resort for seven years, his determination to learn more about the diverse Fijian tourism industry made him leave the island in search of greater knowledge.
Driven by the vision to help his people, Mr Ceinaturaga and his family packed up and travelled across the country where he applied for a position with the five-star luxurious Warwick Resort on the Coral Coast.
Mr Ceinaturaga was offered a position with the resort's activities department that he scooped up with great enthusiasm in July, 2006.
"Working on Naigani was very good but I knew to get a real experience of the different types of people in tourism I had to work for a much larger property."
"In Naigani, the cliental is very exclusive but I knew being employed for Warwick Resort would put me in a position to meet and learn of the cultures of a very wide range of people," he said.
"I was offered a position in the activities department and I was very happy because I would be able to meet and converse with everyone in the resort and learn of what they expect of the local industry," said Mr Ceinaturaga.
"I have enjoyed my time here in Warwick and I feel that I am very privileged to be presented with this opportunity," he said.
Mr Ceinaturaga said even though he enjoys being an employee of an establishment like the Warwick, he always reminds himself of his goal of returning to his island to help his own people.
When The Fiji Times met up with Mr Ceinaturaga at the Bula Fiji Tourism Exchange, he was soaking up the atmosphere and conversing with travel agents from all over the globe.
Dressed as a Fijian warrior, Mr Ceinaturaga said, "I always wanted to see such an event because this opportunity comes around very rarely."
"I have been walking around during the three day event meeting with travel agents and other hoteliers from around Fiji, just learning of the different products that are available and the type of tourism expected of our country," said Mr Ceinaturaga.
"I hope the knowledge I gain from my time with Warwick would be able to help me help my people."
"I have seen about everything in tourism and I hope that in about five years, I would return to the BFTE as a seller to promote the property that I would set up on Naigani for my people," said Mr Ceinaturaga.
Mr Ceinaturaga said tourism was the only industry that the indigenous community back in their various villages could develop to take advantage of the enormous benefits it offers.
He hoped his fellow colleagues in the tourism industry would be able to follow suit and explore their own ventures some day with the hope of helping their people.

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MEET DICKSON LUM OF VATUKOULA

2008-06-28T17:28:00.002+12:00

UNIQUE, authentic and great tasting. They are three reasons that Dickson Lum (pictured) stuck with Japanese cuisine for 21 years.
He says the traditional diet is one of the healthiest in the world the emphasis on authenticity, practicality, health and simplicity.
Tofu. Miso. Sushi. Gree tea. Soba. These are terms that even locals are becoming familiar with.
Dickson's first brush with anything Japanese came about in 1987 while working at Sheraton Fiji on Denarau, Nadi.
It was there that he met the owner of Daikoku, a restaurant that specialises in Japanese food. The rest is history.
He is now a supervisor, looking after the sushi bar at the Daikoku restaurant in Martintar, Nadi.
Dickson attended Vatukoula Marist Convent Primary School and completed his secondary education at AD Patel in Ba.
"My intention was never to be a chef or be involved in the food industry," he said.
"After high school I moved on to FIT in Suva, aspiring to become a mechanic. During my second year at FIT I had come down to Nadi."
"That's when things started to change for me. I started working for this Japanese guy Ikeda and ran his business for him."
Dickson said after that stint he found employment with the Sheraton Fiji when it first opened its doors for business in 1987.
He said while at the Sheraton he met the owner of Daikoku Restaurant.
"I was asked whether or not I would like to work at their restaurant in New Guinea," he said. "I saw this as a challenge which I grabbed with both hands. I got to learn Japanese cooking."
"While I was out there in New Guinea I also got to do my cookery courses and other short courses to add to my qualifications."
He stayed in New Guinea for eight years
Dickson, who refused to divulge his age or delve in his personal life, said young people need to outgrow the mentality that being a chef was a third grade job.
He said there were great career opportunities and money that could be earned by people who mastered the craft.
"You are stars especially in the food business because it's you that prepare customers' meals."
In 1995 when Daikoku opened its doors for business in Nadi town, Dickson returned to Fiji.
"When Daikoku opened for business here in Nadi, I came back to work here and been here ever since," he said.
"It's been more than ten years that I have been based with Daikoku here in Nadi.
"Learning Japanese cooking is not very easy as you need a lot of skills to prepare meals.
"Even though I have been preparing Japanese meals for a while, I learn something new every day."

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MEET FAIMANU MUA OF MALHAHA, ROTUMA

2008-06-28T17:23:00.002+12:00

IT was 1979 the nation a mere nine years old when Faimanu Mua first started work at The Fiji Times.
She had taken a roundabout journey to get there first working within the civil service and then in tourism industry at what was then called The Fijian Hotel.
It was the days of stencils, telex machines and typewriters.
Fai who has been secretary to the chief accountant, financial controller and company secretary, and managing director says the 70s and early 80s were a comparatively labour-intensive time.
"We used to type up our material. If you wanted to send anything overseas you had to use a telex machine," she said.
"We used a big telex machine at the office on Gordon Street to send reports to headquarters. Then the first fax machines came in but only at FINTEL. So I used to go there to fax our weekly reports.
"Sometimes I used to stay until 8 pm because of the long line of people waiting. So the trick was to go to FINTEL early. It was a challenge."
On the eve of her retirement from The Fiji Times, Fai smiles as she recalls the days before technology made working life a whole lot easier.
"It was actually our newsroom that got the first fax machine and they kept it in the editor's secretary's office. Later they bought the first computer to use for accounts secretarial work. But it sat in the accountant's office for about six months because nobody knew what to do with it. So they got a trainer in for us," she laughs.
She says the same situation occurred when email was introduced but this time the training was faster and life was much easier all round. She says pre-email a lot more organisation was required to make sure everything ticked.
"Once we were stuck because our ink supplier who was supposed to hold three months' stock on-hand had run out. In fact, we only had enough to last a few days. For a newspaper that's a crisis. We had to organise a special delivery from New Zealand to get the weekend paper out.
"It really tested us. But that mistake never happened ever again".
Then there's the time when The Fiji Times helped out a newspaper in Samoa which ran out of newsprint.
"We had to arrange for them to get some of our newsprint from Fiji so they could get their paper out".
During her 29 years at The Fiji Times, Fai has seen many changes to the company and the nation.
She still has a copy of the letter sent by the managing director in 1987 advising staff they could come back to work (after the military had shut them down for six weeks).
Now Fai says she's ready for a "quiet life" running a little shop at Malhaha in Rotuma and looking after her 94-year-old mother.
"I'm going to take it slow from now on. Things have definitely evolved from when we cut a tape to send telex reports."

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MEET NAVI GAGALIA OF WAILOKU

2008-06-26T17:11:00.003+12:00

NAVITALAI Gagalia sent his figure juggling skills to the backburner as soon his senses calculated he was a natural in the kitchen.
Decades later, he now considers himself a Jack of all Trades in tourism. He views all hardships and difficulties faced on the job as "just another challenge".
Growing up, Navi, as he is known to friends, always wanted to be a banker. He loved accounting and mathematics throughout his school days.
But his career path took a change in direction while waiting for a response from the first interview for his dream job. To kill time, Navi decided to take up a few classes with the catering school in Suva. There was no turning back once he fell in love with the concept of pleasing the senses with food. By the time the bank called with a job offer, he had made up his mind and turned down the position.
Navi calls it his fairy journey into the tourism industry where he has made a significant contribution during the 20 years of his working life.
While studying at catering school, Navi carried out his practical studies at The Fijian (before it carried the Shangri La name) and Musket Cove resorts.
Straight after completing his education at catering school, Navi secured a position as butcher hand at the Hyatt Regency Fiji (now known as the Warwick Resort).
The lad from Wailoku in Suva worked hard making his way up the ladder into the larder section then into the kitchen main line where he started preparing meals for guests of the five-star property. He was not about to settle with what he was doing as he continued his progress by moving into the pastry section.
Willing to try everything out in the diverse tourism industry, Navi even took a dab at waiting tables in the Food and Beverage Department.
In 1990, he accepted the challenge of manning the hotel switchboard. It was during this period that his "big break" ultimately came through his voice.
"One evening while I was on duty, the then general manager, Giovanni Roghi called for room service and I happened to take the call," he said.
"After we spoke, he asked for my name and said that he wished that I became a receptionist. I became the first male receptionist to work during day shifts, handling the PABX system which was new at the time."
Navi, adorned with his large white hibiscus tekiteki, eventually became the welcoming sight for guests arriving at the property along the Coral Coast.
Motivated to continue with his impressive career at the resort, he moved on to become a night auditor, reservations clerk, reservations manager, duty manager, front office manager and reservations/front officer manager.
During his employment, he was named Employee of the Month three times, Employee of the Year once and has also been the runner up for the Air New Zealand Young Achiever of the Year Award.
Navi was also the first secretary for the Fiji Men's Netball Association. While you may think he has completed his rise to the top of his well rounded career think again because in May last year, Mr Gagalia was promoted to sales manager.
And judging from his highly-motivated, outspoken and energised personality, Navi is bound to reach new heights in his career in the years to come.
He said even though he never thought of a career in tourism during his school days he has never had any regrets since joining the Hyatt Regency Fiji.
He said he could not imagine himself moving and working for another resort especially since he was present for most of the property's transformation including the name change from Hyatt Regency to Warwick Resort.
He said with the resort being only an hours drive away from his family home, his life revolved around the property. He has his sights on managing a property.
He said as his career progressed, there could come a point where he would consider taking up the challenge of managing a property, probably a smaller boutique resort in the country.
He said like him, others could find a whole new dream in the tourism industry especially since one becomes exposed to people of different backgrounds.
Navi said he was fortunate to have worked with people like Jamal Serhan, Jack Stark, Tammy Tam and Petero Manufolau, from whom he has and continues to draw inspiration from.

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MEET PENI MUSUNAMASI OF NAIOTI, YALE KADAVU

2008-06-25T17:51:00.002+12:00

Whenever one hears the surname Musunamasi, rugby league pops up. However, being actively involved in the sport was something Peni Musunamasi never seriously considered. In fact, he initially wanted to become an aircraft engineer although his older brother and cousins donned the national jumper in rugby.
Born on June 17, 1963, Peni is the youngest of three children. His father was doctor Kemueli and his mother, a nurse, was Alanieta. Originally from Naioti, Yale in Kadavu, Peni had a fairly simple upbringing. His father's hectic work commitments meant a lot of travelling time for the family. Despite this, sport has been a family affair for the Musunamasis.
"The longest place I've lived in is Rakiraki but this was when I was a bit older. Growing up, I have seen how my dad helped people not only in the health aspect but also in sports. He was the rugby coach of the provinces we moved to," he said.
"When I was younger, I wanted to be an aircraft engineer because I thought the role and responsibilities of aircraft engineers were very important. That was my aim but somewhere down the line that did not happen."
Peni believes people should have an open mind when doing anything. He said with dedication and commitment to one's aims and goals in life, anything is possible.
Education
With a vague memory of his initial days in primary school, Peni attended Intermediate school at Adi Maopa in 1974. He then went on to start Form One at Ratu Kadavulevu School.
However, two years later when he was in Form Three, Peni did not go to school. His parents were reluctant to buy him new uniforms after he kept losing them.
Eventually, he was put into boarding school where he spent two years at Queen Victoria.
Peni said life at boarding school was probably the first taste of being independent. He said from the start of Form One, they were expected to pick up after themselves. This meant washing their own clothes and helping out with plantation work.
"When I reached QVS in 1979, my older brother was there. Life at boarding school was a good experience. There were times when we got too independent but the hardships at boarding school made us work hard to live a better life.
"There are quite a number of people who have come out of QVS and have done well in life. In school, I belonged to Bau House and the catchphrase was unity never fails. This is one message I always try to instigate into the lives of our players."
He said education is very important and although he was not able to complete Form Six, he learned the value of hard work. He is glad to have gone through the difficulties of surviving on one's own.
Rugby league
Although he is the chairman for the Fiji National Rugby League, Peni seldom played rugby when he was in school. He was physically small and when he did play the game, he represented the second team.
Peni comes from a family of rugby players. His older brother Ilaitia Naqau is the Fiji Bati team manager as well as a former national rep. His first cousins have also represented Fiji on several occasions. Even his first cousin, the late Kemueli Musunamasi represented Fiji against the British Lions in 1977.
As timid and tiny back then, Peni always had an interest to represent the country in sports. He realised if he did not have the rugby flare and talent to play the sport, he could do something behind the scenes to help in the development of ruggers. "When I first saw the way rugby league was played, I knew this was a game for Fijians.
"At the time, I was the assistant manager for the Nadera Panthers team.
"Rugby league started in 1992 then. I have seen that through this sport, players have been able to get good lives.
"It has helped a few families now overseas. I owe a lot to rugby league. Being part of rugby league in Fiji is a give and take field.
"Since my involvement in the sport, rugby league has taught me a lot especially about responsibilities.
"I noticed not many people care about responsibilities, but being in a managerial position responsibilities are important especially the welfare of the players."
When he is not in the chairman's seat, Peni is the acting advisor technical for the South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission.
He has been with the organisation for almost 20 years now.
Fast facts
Married to Ulamila who is from Vanuabalavu.
Has four children, three sons and one daughter
FNRL chairman in 2002, 2006-2008
Bati team manager on six occasions
Was club manager of the year in 1996
2005 FASANOC Volunteer of the Year
2007 FASANOC Administrator of the Year
10 things about him
His father is his mentor
Favourite drink - Water
Loves his wife's chopsuey
Loves to spend time with family
Prefers to listen to Dokidoki Gospel
Favourite movie is Gladiator
Considers Russell Crowe his favourite actor
Believes his cousin Ponipate Naqau is an inspiration for ruggers
His mother is from Mua, Batiki, Lomaiviti
Paternal grandmother is Tongan from Hapai in Hihifo. and his father was born there.

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MEET LYDIA TAYLOR OF UDUKACU, TAVEUNI

2008-06-24T22:20:00.003+12:00

People do not often get to hear about the lives and trials of people from the Old Capital. For 28-year-old Lydia Taylor feels been born and bred in Levuka is a blessing in disguise.
She is a senior ranger at the National Trust of Fiji Islands office based at the Levuka Community Centre. Life growing up was fairly normal although she spent her childhood days living with her grandparents.
Her father, George Taylor Thomas hails from Udukacu in Taveuni while her mother, Keresi Vai is from Nawaka Village in Nadi. The eldest in a family of four children, Lydia had an interest in art although she also wanted to follow in her mother's footsteps.
"My father was a dock worker and my mother was a staff nurse at the Levuka hospital. My parents worked very hard and made sure we had a good upbringing. Growing up with my grandparents and aunties is something I will appreciate forever.
"I count myself fortunate to be brought up in Levuka. Life was simple and pleasant till today. I remember going to school on foot, making friends with children of different races, playing in the park and not worrying about spending money or taking lunch to school."
Lydia said after moving to Nadi in 1991, life became challenging. She said being the eldest meant she was expected to help out a lot with family chores. The other challenges she faced then were beginning school in the village, learning more about the Fijian way of living, dress code, respect for elders and basically broadening her knowledge on Fijian culture and tradition.
"I attended primary school at Marist Convent from 1985 to 1990 from Class One to Six. The following year, we moved to Nadi because mum was transferred to Nadi. I completed Class Seven and eight at Nawaka District. I spent the first three years of secondary at Shri Vivekananda which is now SVC.
"I completed my secondary education at Nadi College from 1997 to 1999. While at high school, I had an interest in computing and I had very good typing skills. In 2001, I took part in the Nadi Bula Festival as one of the contestants. However, the experience was not only an eye opener but a challenge for me as well."
She was sponsored by Adams Investment and had to face her biggest fear of public speaking. Standing in public was something Lydia was not good at but it became something she was confident doing.
"In that same year until 2002, I completed my diploma in Information Technology at NZPTC in Nadi. In mid 2002, I went back to Levuka to teach certificate and advanced level computing studies at NZPTC branch there. Two years later, a vacancy was advertised for senior ranger at the National Trust of Fiji office at the community centre.
"I applied and was fortunate enough to be selected as a junior ranger. My work involved looking after the public library, school and village visits, typing, attending meetings and to customer needs both local and overseas. I love my job because I get to learn and know more about the history of Levuka and Fiji as a whole."
To her, everyday was a learning day. She said after leaving the shores of Levuka in 1991 and returning after 11 years, her hometown has not changed a bit. She said the old buildings still stand and the hospitality provided by the people is forever over-whelming.
"There is no need to think about what to feed the family tomorrow. Even though the pace is slow, we still manage to catch up with the latest developments and technologies. I am now happily married to Waqa Kabou Bower and have a beautiful three-year-old daughter.
"I am thankful and proud to be a kai loma or part European because our roots run deep into both the indigenous Fijian and European lines. Levuka Town with its fine legacy of old colonial buildings and visually dramatic settings is undoubtedly one of Fiji's finest cultural landscapes. To preserve the historical value of Levuka Town, there is a need for people to hold hands and work together to maintain the history of this town," she said.

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MEET SATYA NAIDU OF LAUTOKA

2008-06-21T18:15:00.003+12:00

SATYA Naidu, 60, has lost a lot of things in life that he would love to have back but the 10-acre sugar cane farm he once lived off just outside Lautoka is not on his wish list.
He has grown into his "new job" and says driving a taxi is a dream job when compared to cane farming. He added that no amount of incentives would convince him to go back to planting cane.
Mr Naidu said people need to understand that farmers had made sure their children were well educated because they "do not want them to struggle the rest of their lives". He has five children, the youngest completing her final year at a university in Australia.
"Too much work, too much politics, too little money." That's how he puts it. Mr Naidu was raised on his father's farm and unlike his five siblings, chose to remain in the field years after he left school.
When the lease expired in 1989, he decided to venture into the taxi business after being told of an opening at the Lautoka hospital base.
"I had my PSV since 1969 but I was comfortable with cane farming. I wish I had left years ago. You have money in your pocket every day. With sugar, you wait until the next harvest season for the first payment. By then, you have debts to pay and end up with little in your pocket."

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MEET ALFRED ULUINAYAU OF NAYAU, LAU

2008-06-18T20:09:00.001+12:00

FORMER national rugby representative and Nayau villager Alfred Uluinayau (pictured) was always groomed for big things in rugby.
From the young age of primary school playing rugby league in New Zealand to the high school grades where he donned the national All Black jumper as a high school student Alfie was running straight for the goal posts literally a successful streak in rugby.
However, at the back of his mind he was always going to struggle with the glory of playing for his country of birth (Fiji) or his adopted country in New Zealand where rugby is a religion and all men wear or have worn rugby boots at one stage of their life.
The man who was following the footsteps of a number of Fijian All Black players has now become Fiji's first professional club rugby coach to have won a national championship even though it is in the Land of the Rising Sun where the spirit of a man (oto kono tamashi) is to honour your commitments and never retreat or surrender.
He guided the club to win the Japanese Microsoft Cup Top League Competition against Sanyo Wild Knights 14-10 in April this year.
And he has achieved this in only in his first year as coach of the Suntory rugby side that has boasted the likes of former St John Marist and Fiji national sevens and fifteens rep Max Olsson who later represented Japan's national side.
Alfie can proudly say that through those clouds his sun has risen and he has been a man by achieving the top honours in Japanese professional rugby where most international rugby players go to earn their Yen.
Alfie says he is completing his International Rugby Board Level 3 accreditation with the Blues Franchise in New Zealand.
Uluinayau played his last club game for the Ponsonby Rugby Club in 2004, becoming the 15th player in the clubs history to play 100 games. He played 104 games.
Career
He started playing rugby league at 8 years of age in New Zealand untill the age of 12.
He started playing rugby at Mount Albert Grammar School at 13 where he immediately made his first Auckland representative team.
He played every Auckland representative age group team right through to the Auckland NPC and Super 10 team.
He made the Blues squad in 1996 with Waisake Sotutu, but missed the rest of the Super 12 season due to a knee injury.
He made his debut for Fiji against South Africa in 1996.
Uluinayau joined Suntory and Max Olsson after the 1996 Super 12 season.
After retiring from Suntory after the 2003 rugby season Uluinayau went back home to New Zealand and began work as the director of rugby at his old high school, Mount Albert Grammar School.
"The role involved developing player recruitment and retention at the school and also setting up a program to improve the skill levels and understanding of the gameof every rugby student at the school from 13 years to 18," he said.
"I was also the 1st XV coach.I also set up a scholarship program to invite Fijian students to come to MAGS to continue their education and develop their rugby skills.
"The first recipient of the scholarship was Ratu Ropate Rinakama who has now earned a academy contract with the North Harbour Rugby Union as a tight head prop.
"I am still involved in the scholarship program at MAGS.Alama Iermia resigned as backs coach from Suntory last season and notified me of the vacancy and the process of getting me to Suntory began.
"My previous association with the club made the process very easy and I signed as the assistant coach and was in Japan by mid-May.
"I am happy to be the first native Fijian to win a professional championship overseas winning the Japanese Microsoft Cup Top League Competition against Sanyo Wild Knights 14-10."
Alfie says coaching in Japan has many benefits including wages, bonuses, fully furnished housing, travelling allowance and other agreed incentives bonuses.

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MEET DANIEL WOO OF KIRIBATI

2008-06-18T20:01:00.002+12:00

The work of an environmentalist can be difficult at times. Most people would often wonder what drives certain people to do the work they do in trying to save our environment.
For Daniel Loo, his passion for the environment has always been with him from a very young age.
He is a volunteer for Greenpeace and was onboard the M.Y Esperanza in peaceful protest against fishing vessels from Taiwan, Philippines, China and the US.
Originally from Kiribati, his father is from Arorae Island while his mother is from Onotoa.
Although he is of Chinese, German and Irish decent, Daniel was born in Suva but brought up in Levuka.
His family moved to Fiji after the Second World War when Japan invaded Kiribati.
His father was an electrician while he believes his mother is the best mother anyone could have.
Growing up in Levuka was a beautiful experience for Daniel. His parents worked very hard to provide him and his five siblings with a good life.
"I like to call Levuka my hometown as I grew up there before moving back to Suva in order to further my studies. I have four brothers and a sister. My brothers and I have all finished high school and we are now working. My sister attends Veiuto primary," he said.
"My parents worked hard and have given me so much. They have been very supportive of me while I've pursued things like voluntary community work and environmental activism. I always wanted to be a teacher but I was not quite sure what subject I wanted to teach."
After completing high school, he obtained a full scholarship to study education at university.
However, he decided to study accounting.
He was always a passionate environmentalist although he was never vocal about it.
He was quietly aware of pressing environmental issues that Greenpeace addressed.
"Being onboard the Esperanza has motivated me to take up linguistics. I am so interested in languages. It is so beautiful to learn to speak and write a different language. A friend on Esperanza taught me Mandarin. Hopefully, if I manage Mandarin, I will learn French as well.
"I remember my wonderful English teacher Mrs Salacakau and because of that experience I always thought of pursuing a career in teaching. I do not really enjoy working in an office. Teaching is something I may do later in life."
Daniel attended primary school at Yat Sen before going to Marist Convent in Levuka.
He then spent secondary school at Levuka Public School before attending USP.
Daniel was also working as a research officer for a media website. He later did community service with the Rotaract Club of Suva.
"I worked part time while studying. I was finance service director when I was with Rotaract Club of Suva and I later became the international director. This was a great experience. I had the opportunity to work with inspiring young people who wanted to make a difference in their communities.
"We organised fundraisers that benefited needy communities and individuals. We were all young and enthusiastic and we organised some really good fundraisers that attracted a lot of support from the community."
He was part of a 10 member Pacific group chosen for the Rotary Overseas Travel Award and the Rotary Youth Leadership Award in 2004. One of the highlights while on Esperanza was watching a Greenpeace activist free a turtle from a Taiwanese long line fishing boat. He said it was an overwhelming moment that would never be forgotten.
"Being on Esperanza has been fantastic. I work with a lot of talented people. We have qualified chemists, doctors and marine biologists working as deckhands. It is so inspiring to see different people from various walks of life working together on board. Everyone is appreciated.
"I have also seen dolphins and tuna swimming in groups near our ship. It was so beautiful. I felt they were showing their appreciation for our efforts to defend the oceans. I have dealt with many hardships but I have learnt we all must experience hardship in order to achieve what we want."
His advice for young and upcoming environmentalists is to be "yourself and follow your dreams".
Daniel has shown what it takes to fight for something one is most passionate about. His contribution to the establishment of marine reserves in the Pacific Ocean is one that calls for appreciation and gratitude.

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MEET OKOSTINO APAO OF ROTUMA

2008-06-18T19:53:00.003+12:00

The love for his fishing ground and a request from his dying mother prompted 23-year-old Okostino Apao to put his studies on hold and look after the village marine protected area.
Apao is originally from Rotuma but grew up in his mother's village of Waitabu on Taveuni.
As Apao grew up, he never really understood the importance of the work his late mother Sala did, which is to manage the village marine protected area, now known as the Waitabu Marine Park as it is frequently visited by tourists.
Sala was the force behind the setting up of the park with the help of Marine Ecology Fiji Consultant, Helen Sykes.
After completing Form Seven on Taveuni, Apao enrolled at the Fiji Institute of Technology, but had to return to help his sick mother with her work. Sadly, she died in 2006.
Since then, Apao said, he has continued to do the work his mother did and has never regretted leaving FIT because he loved every moment at sea.
"She used to tell us the benefits of the work that she was doing but we never really bothered. We were also angry with her for leaving us many times and going overseas because of her work," he said as tears welled up in his eyes.
"But she was passionate about what she was doing and even though she had high blood pressure and was sickly she still carried on with her work. I tried to find out why she was so enthusiastic about the project so I involved myself in monitoring the area with other youth and people in the village.
"Through my participation I realised what she was doing was really important but sadly for me, she died after only seven months of working with her.
"But I will never forget the many things the marine park would bring us. She always reminded me the result of the work that I am doing will be reaped by me and the future generation in this village. And that we will have more fish and other sea food in our fishing ground if we continue to protect the tabu area.
"Now I see that what she was trying to tell us was right that what she was doing was for was for me and my children and their children's children."
The people of Waitabu are celebrating the 10th anniversary of their marine park which is one of the healthiest in Fiji.
Okostino is one of the 18 youths who is always on hand to assist visitors who want to snorkel. His hobbies include swimming and snorkeling, reading, and playing volleyball or rugby.
However, his involvement in the marine park will not prevent him from pursuing his studies. He said he will just stay on for a while until he knows that the project is well on its way before he leaves for school.
Okostino is one of the best tour guides at the Waitabu Marine Park and he knows what the park means to his people.
"It takes a long time for a reef to recover if it is abused and even corals are very important because they have those little animals on them that are very small and if one steps on the corals or break them it will affect those little animals," he said.
"What is important to know is that we do not know what is in the sea so if we protect the sea we also protect ourselves from getting hurt."
Before visitors go snorkeling they would be asked if they had snorkeled before and if not are taught how to use the masks and snorkel.
One of the guides will brief the visitors first and the first thing he would do is thank them first before the guidelines are stressed.
He said the visitors had to be thanked because they brought in money which helped the villagers protect their marine park.
"We tell them that they stay an arm's length away from the corals, clams, shell fish or corals. They should always try to stay afloat and watch from up there" he said.
"We also tell them that they are there to watch but not touch or take anything away from where it is even if it is a dead coral. And also to be careful that their fins do not break any coral."
Apao said the past 10 years of protection brought in more fish and invertebrate animals such as giant clams or vasua, vivili or trochus shells and bech-de-mer or sea cucumbers.
They have also grown to breeding sizes. Large schools of fish have eaten the seaweeds away and created clean rocks for new corals to grow, providing more places for small fish and other animals to live.
I was fortunate to be escorted by Okostino at the marine park and most times he had to tow me with a floater. Even though he is small in stature he was able to pull me along whenever the current was a bit strong.
But to watch all those different fish species swimming amongst those different coloured corals and with such big clams and trochus shells was awesome. And the incredible thing about the fish is they are so tame they do not even know that you are an intruder.
Unless one experiences this beautiful reef and its marine life, he cannot fathom the beauty of this marine park.
Okostino said he and his peers were aware of the importance of their marine park and he cherishes it so much that he said he could get violent if he knows of anyone poaching in it. He stressed they did not want what they had worked hard for to be taken away by inconsiderate and greedy people.
"It means so much to me that I would hurt anyone I see taking anything from the marine park and I will fight for it," he admitted.
"Now after 10 years of protecting our marine park we are so thankful for those who assisted us and also to our people and we do not want that go to waste."
- Ms Nakeke is an ocean science reporter with SeaWeb. SeaWeb is a non government organisation that helps the media promote a healthy ocean.

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MEET ANA JITOKO OF MOALA, LAU

2008-06-14T20:53:00.003+12:00

Volunteers come from all walks of life. Local volunteers are contributing tremendously to the development of Fiji.
However, Ana Jitoko's contribution is a different kind. She was one of two local volunteers onboard Greenpeace's vessel Esperanza in the Pacific Ocean.
She joined another local volunteer Daniel Loo in peaceful action against fishing vessels from Taiwan, China, Philippines, US and Spain.
Born in Moala, Lau, Ana was brought up in Suva.
The second eldest in a family of four, Ana had a normal upbringing.
Her parents worked hard to provide them with a good life and even though there were hard times, they managed to get through the hardships.
This was what Ana thinks made her a better and stronger person.
Although she initially wanted to become an accountant, Ana always felt passionate about environmental issues.
She did not get the opportunity to act on this passion when she was younger.
Starting off her primary education in Moala, Ana attended Veiuto before finishing off at Suva Grammer School.
"Life at home was just like any other family. After Suva Grammer, I attended Nasinu Secondary for a year. I struggled there because the school had a totally different atmosphere to my previous schools. I then studied for my diploma in accounting at the Fiji Institute of Technology from 2000 to 2002.
"I stayed home after finishing my diploma in May 2003. I started working for Prices and Incomes Board and even though the job was good my passion was always somewhere else. At the time, I did not know what I was really interested in. I did not feel satisfied with what I was doing."
Ana lost interest in the job and hit rock bottom. Nevertheless, she felt God had something better for her in the future.
From this experience, Ana learnt that people have to accept that life will not always be smooth sailing.
She recently became a Greenpeace local group volunteer and when the opportunity came to join the crew onboard the Esperanza, she grabbed it with both hands.
"Doing something that I am passionate about is mind blowing and an exhausting experience. At the invitation of the ship's captain, I recently boarded the Kenken 888 which is a mother ship that receives fish from other fishing vessels. Mother ships take fish from legal and illegal fishing vessels. This allows them to continue fishing without having to go to port.
"I managed to overcome my fear of heights when we boarded and with encouragement from my patient team, I went down into the ship's giant cooler that contained tuna of all sizes. The smallest tuna were only the size of my palm. It was the saddest thing I had have ever seen."
She said it took a while for her to control her emotions after witnessing first hand the damage done to tuna stocks. Ana is proud that her contribution to the expedition resulted in the signing of the Parties to the Nauru Agreement by eight Pacific countries to ban foreign fishing vessels from two pockets of international waters.
"That was the highlight of this expedition for me. I think this made our campaign to stop fishing in two huge areas of international waters a success. The challenge we face now is convincing other Pacific Island countries including Fiji to defend our oceans. We will never give up or stop believing in what we have started.
"I have learnt that teamwork and communication is very important in this line of work.
"My advice for young environmentalists and youths is to always believe in yourself. If you do not like your job, find something you enjoy. You will benefit if you do."
Apart from her activist work, Ana was an assistant cook. This meant helping out with preparing meals for the crew in the galley. Regardless of this, one of Ana's experiences includes waking up early in the morning to get ready for action whenever a fishing boat was sighted.
"I was woken up one morning by a phone call from the bridge telling me they had spotted a fishing boat and that I should get ready because the boat was launching at 6am. Little did I know the real action would start at 11am so I went back to the galley to help prepare lunch. That's just the way it goes sometimes," she said.
Ana and Daniel have shown that even local volunteers can make a difference in society and one of the most significant contributions is their fight to sustain decreasing tuna stocks from over and illegal fishing.

adapted from fijtimes online

MEET SAIMONI NAINOCA

2008-06-10T00:01:00.002+12:00

Disabled athletes have come a long way over the years fighting different forms of stigma, discrimination and segregation in society.
While many of these athletes are making Fiji proud in their respective sporting events, others simply want to live a normal life like any other able bodied person.
For the Fiji Paralympics Association, promoting the inclusion of disabled people in able bodied regular school sports is one of the aims of the organisation.
Formerly the Fiji Sports Association for the Disabled, the organisation is looking at inclusive education through inclusive sports for people with disabilities.
One of the programs launched by the association this year is the inclusive sports program whose main funding agency is the Australian Sports Commission.
The program involves disabled sports ambassadors going out into different schools promoting the inclusion of disabled people in able bodied school sports.
The national organisation coordinates and implements local and overseas sporting activities for its affiliates.
This is also aimed at enhancing the quality of life of people with disabilities through exposure and international contacts enabling them to live as fully anticipating members of the society.
Sports development officer for the association Saimoni Nainoca believes there is a need for more disabled athletes to be involved in school sports events.
He said approval for awareness and advocacy in schools was given by the Ministry of Education.
Mr Nainoca said it was the first time for the program to be implemented at school level.
Mr Nainoca went to Levuka Public School last week with two disabled sports ambassadors to promote inclusive sports for the disabled.
"We have a number of programs and one of it is this inclusive sports program. We also have a separate program called Sports Ambassador. My role as the sports development officer is to provide sporting opportunities on a daily basis for over 1000 disabled people in the country. This inclusive sports program aims to promote inclusive education through inclusive sports for disabled people.
"We will be knocking at the doors of regular schools and some of them have opened their doors to include this into the mainstream sports and regular school activities. One of the main purposes is to break away from the different forms of segregation and discrimination. Instead, we are aiming for disabled students and adults to be included in sports events for able bodied people."
Mr Nainoca said the purpose of targeting schools was to get children and teachers to accept disabled people or athletes into the school curriculum.
He said part of their awareness and advocacy strategies was providing examples of how disabled athletes can participate in able bodied sports including track and field events.
This is where the sports ambassadors come in. Mr Nainoca said sports ambassadors for the association are disabled athletes who have represented Fiji at international competitions.
"During our visit to LPS, I was accompanied by two sports ambassadors, Iliesa Delana (who had his left leg amputated) and Necani Ravutu (who had his right arm amputated).
"The sports ambassadors showed students at LPS how disabled people could participate in sports events like athletics and high jump.
"In front of 600 students, teachers and parents, the two disabled athletes gave demonstrations.
"The most exciting performance was from Iliesa who competed in the high jump against one of the top athletes from LPS. He beat the student with a high jump of 1.70 meters.
"After the demonstrations, we asked the students, teachers and parents to vote on whether they think disabled people should be included in able bodied school sports.
"They all raised their hands in agreement. This was the reaction we wanted to achieve and we did. It was a very motivating atmosphere especially from the children. Their response was very positive." He said the next step would be to create more awareness and advocacy work on the program to different schools in the west in conjunction with special education schools nearby.
In the case of LPS, the association will also provide financial assistance if students from Norah Fraser Special Education School will participate in sports events organised by LPS.
Mr Nainoca was happy with the performance of the disabled sports ambassadors and believes the positive outcome of the program was something he anticipated.
He said the onus would be on the school's organising committee, management and children to accept the fact that people with disabilities can participate in sports events for able bodied people.
"This is the first time we are going out into the community with this program and with funding from our overseas counterpart, the Australian Sports Commission national representatives will be able to go out to special education schools, regular schools and communities and share their experiences and the impact of sports in their lives. The sports ambassadors are promoting sports for disabled people.
"Many disabled people are not good academically and some of them look at sports as a window of opportunities.
"With sports, disabled people and athletes are able to travel and find employment.
"Sports even builds a person's character. Sports has helped a lot of disabled athletes break away from discrimination and stigmatisation. There are 20 sports ambassadors."
Disabled sports ambassador Iliesa Delana has nine gold medals from different competitions he has participated in.
He has never lost a competition and believes his experience in Levuka was the best way to put talk into action.
Starting off his high jump skill in late 2000, Iliesa felt happy and confident that he was able to beat one of the athletes from LPS in the high jump.
For Iliesa, it is no use talking about the need to include disabled people in sports events.
He believes actions speak louder than words.
"I competed against an able bodied athlete from the school and even though I felt nervous, I was confident in my abilities and I was able to beat the other athlete in the high jump.
"The best way to show why disabled athletes should be included in school sports or able bodied sports is to show them what disabled athletes can do.
"The reaction from the spectators was a happy moment especially when it showed the support from these people.
"Some of them have come up to me in town just to shake my hand and I feel very proud and happy. I have a total of nine gold medals, no silver, no bronze. The secret to winning is there is no secret. It is using whatever God given talent one has to the best of their ability."
Some benefits of the inclusion of disabled athletes in sports as identified by the Australian Sports Commission include:
- Reduced need for extra or specialist coaches where in most sports there is a shortage of reliable and committed coaches. Inclusion helps to reduce the search for specialist coaches;
- Social benefits where inclusion can enable athletes with disabilities access to the same social benefits available to any other athlete from participating in sport. This includes the opportunity to mix and develop friendships within the athlete's local sporting environment. The inclusion with able bodied peers can also serve to reinforce or increase socially accepted behaviour;
n Peer group pressure where inclusion can allow athletes to train in larger groups which may also lead to greater motivation and increased self discipline as a result of peer group pressure;
- Increased self esteem for athletes with disabilities; and
- Access to established organisations where the disabled athletes will have greater access to better facilities and equipment.
Accordingly, the association is also concerned with the inclusion of athletes who are visually impaired, amputee athletes, intellectually disabled, hearing impaired, spinal injured athletes and les autres or other disabilities.
The association is also committed to developing sports for disabled athletes from the grassroot, national, regional and international level.

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MEET BERNADETTE GOULDING AND DAUGHTER MIKAELA

2008-06-08T20:50:00.001+12:00

A MOTHER and daughter team were all smiles yesterday after winning awards in the Save The Children Fiji 2007 photography competition.
Bernadette Goulding and her 10-year-old daughter Mikaela travelled from Nadi to Suva to collect their awards.
"We didn't expect to win but surprisingly we both have one each," the happy mother said.
They enterd various shots of their youngest family member, baby Keanu Goulding.
Class Six student Mikaela wants to be an artist one day.
Mum won the Mischievous Look Award in the 2007 SCF competition. and Mikaela the Peace and Hope Award.
Chief executive Chandra Shekhar said the entries were well presented.
Meanwhile the SCF Nargis Appeal has collected more than $3000. The appeal ends on July

CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU BOTH!

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MEET KARALAINI SALI OF VOTUA, BUA

2008-06-07T19:33:00.002+12:00

DESPITE her old age, Karalaini Sali (pictured) has continued to earn her living through handicraft work selling her products to companies and people who order from her.
At the age of 67, Karalaini spends most of her day at Votua Village in Bua in the Northern Division making flower vases, tea and food trays, hats, place mats and other items from pine leaves.
She learnt the art five years ago when her daughter taught her how to make such items from pine leaves.
She says ever since learning the art work, her financial earnings have not been so much of a problem compared to previous years when she depended on her children for support.
But since taking up the trade, Karalaini has been busy with the continuous growing number of orders for her art work from companies and individual customers.
And with an abundance of pine plantations in Bua, she has had no problem with her supply of raw material as she goes out into the pine forest in the morning to collect fallen leaves.
It is a duty she enjoys doing every day even in rainy weather.
Karalaini says one of her major customers is the Lautoka based company, Fiji Pine Limited that has contributed a lot towards her financial earnings.
She says her customers including the company contact her in the village, place their orders and when the money is sent to the Lekutu postal agency, Karalaini sends them their items.
So far, all her customers have been faithful and even though she has not met them, she says she has been blessed by having such customers.
The brown pine leaves are pleated into flower vases other items her customers order and once completed, she varnishes the product before sending it to her customers.
Karalaini, who is originally from Mamanuca, Tavua in the Western Division says when she visits her island, she takes her products with her to sell to the people in the West.
Business has also been good for her in the Western Division as most get to see for the first time, products made from pine leaves.
Karalaini says when companies order products, she can earn more then $400 a month and despite the difficulties in finding markets, Karalaini has grown to love her art work which she says has become a hobby.

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MEET TAUFA TUKANA OF NABOUWALU, BUA

2008-06-04T20:58:00.002+12:00

FOR more than 10 years, Taufa Tukana has been a familiar face at the Nabouwalu market in Bua in the Northern Division. She is one of the longest serving vendors selling food there.
As people fill up benches at her tables to enjoy breakfast with meals that include boiled or fish in miti, boiled lamb neck and bele among other menus, Taufa keeps herself busy serving her customers food with a smile.
Her kerosene stove sits in a wooden box beside her table with a kettle on it and pots of food neatly arranged on the side.
As her customers settle to enjoy their food, Taufa who is 60-years-old, sits at one end of the table with a fan in her hand.
Apart from food served, Taufa also sells cakes, pies and puddings.
The cakes, pies and puddings are cut up into big pieces and placed on a saucer. Taufa neatly arranges a piece of each which are sold for $2 while her serves of food are worth $4.
Taufa cooks cassava or dalo or whatever root crop she has at home and brings it to the market in the morning.
She says the boiled fish, lamb neck, curry chicken, chopsuey and other dishes are cooked in the market so that they are served hot to her customers.
In the small market of Nabouwalu sits five long tables, about two metres long and the women at each table have their own kerosene stoves, pots, cooking and eating utensils.
For Taufa, business starts about 8am and ends at 3pm. It has helped her over the past 10 years to pay off bills, put food on the table for her family and helps with her contribution to the church and vanua.
While Taufa runs the small eatery business from the market, her husband looks after their farm at Nabouwalu Village.
Taufa's busiest time of the day is from 8am to about 2pm when the people, especially dalo farmers converge on the Nabouwalu jetty area to load their farm produce on the Patterson boat Spirit of Harmony for the market in Viti Levu.
She said as soon as the boat returns to Viti Levu, the farmers return to their villages and business slows down for the day.
Taufa's daily earnings would range from $50 to $70 a day and she says most of her customers are farmers.

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MEET ADI FINAU TABAKAUCORO

2008-06-03T22:15:00.003+12:00

Women are fast making an impact in the world today. In Fiji, many women are defying the odds and have dedicated their lives to helping others in the community. One such woman is Adi Finau Tabakaucoro.
Better known for her role as the general secretary for the Soqosoqo Vakamarama i Taukei, Adi Finau is a woman of substance and flare. A former minister from 1987 to 1992, Adi Finau was brought up in Naqiqi, Savusavu.
Originally from Ra, her father Ratu Josefa Tabakaucoro had connections with people in Naqiqi. Her mother Eka, was a housewife. For Adi Finau, life growing up was like any other village type.
However, she believes village life anywhere formed the foundation for family life and one's character. Her place of birth is Savusavu, Cakaudrove.
Second in a family of four children, her childhood memories were happy and fun. Most of the things done in the village had a purpose and for her helping out with family chores was something that engraved values in her life. She said people depended on the natural resources available including gathering firewood for cooking.
"I grew up in the village of Naqiqi which is 14 miles from Savusavu Town. I had an interesting upbringing but a typical village life. My mother's name Eka means Hagar from the Bible. Both my parents were villagers and they brought us up with love and care. Back in the village, most of the things we did had a purpose. I used to help gather firewood and fetch water from the river.
"At the time there was no piped water so everyday we would go down to the river to fetch water for cooking. In those young days, we used to add salt water to our cooked food for taste. We did not have salt so we would have a container of salt water and whenever we cooked anything with lolo, we would add a little salt water. Every kitchen in the village had a container of salt water."
Her father was a very industrious man and sold copra to help with family finances.
Adi Finau said her father helped a lot with the copra estate and part of his earnings were kept in the Fijian development fund and kept by the Fijian Secretariat. This was for development purposes for the family and the village in terms of education or building homes. She said this was compulsory where proceeds would be directed towards development plans.
Personal life
Adi Finau has five children she loves and adores.
Her parents have played a big part in her successful career. Unfortunately, her mother died in 1992 at the age of 73 while her father died in 1999 at age 93. She said her parents were always supportive of her choices in life and despite her hectic work life, Adi Finau said her family is the most important part of her life.
If there is one aspect of life Adi Finau ponders on, it is the fact she never regarded gender as an issue. She said despite the need to address gender issues, she considered herself an individual.
"I may not have become an activist but I believe I have become a champion and an example for women in the country. I went on to do things men could do and even that is something I am proud of. I had wonderful parents who provided the foundation. They were always around and they lived with me," she said.
Adi Finau is also a member of the National Council for Building a Better Fiji. She has a passion for contributing to national building. For her, it is better to do something about an issue or matter rather than doing nothing at all. She said people should stand up and be counted.
"People spend time and energy concentrating on faults and problems. They highlight problems they perceive like the the proposed People's Charter. What is the use in that? Let us contribute and produce something wonderful and good for the nation. We have reached an important crossroad and people should put aside barriers and differences and contribute to building this nation.
"Any reasonable person will know the charter is good. It will not only assist leadership in the country but also for good governance in the future. People should not forget that the Government of the day is the one actually taking care of them. If the charter was not for a good cause, then people like me would not be part of it. The charter will address certain issues that past governments have not taken seriously."
She said these issues included equitable distribution, good quality housing, education, employment, health services and maximising returns from national resources.
Adi Finau has accepted different challenges in her life and believes one always has a choice in any given situation to make that situation better. Her secret to success is determination, perseverance and hard work. All key factors to living a happy life.
Education
She attended Navatu district in Nasinu from classes one to six. The surprising note was that Adi Finau started boarding school from the time she started school.
"There was gravel road back then and the distance from home to school was too far. They had dormitories at the school and the living conditions were very basic. If OHS had existed back then, we wouldn't be able to live there. We had to make do with whatever was available. We would have tavioka and tea for lunch and even in the evening. No one complained or picked a fuss. We accepted this because it was part of our life and we were used to it.
"My uncle was posted to the school and sometimes he would take me home for a visit on horseback. During wet weather, we used to walk in the mud. I then continued my education at Draiba Fijian. My father had rented a home in Delainavesi in 1952. We used to walk to school on gravel road again. After school we would walk to the bus stand and catch the transport home."
She said her father remained in the village and sent money on a monthly basis to her mother. Living with their extended family from Bau, Adi Finau said they planted their own food.
She continued her secondary education at Adi Cakobau School.
Boarding life was nothing new for her. She had learned to be independent from an early age and life at ACS was no different.
"In primary, we had to sleep on a bamboo bench covered with coconut leaves. In the morning we would run down the slope to the stream at the bottom of the hill. We did everything there, washed our clothes, forage in the bush and sea for food. We did what we had to to survive. School was easy while at ACS everything was well organised. We had sets of uniforms including petticoat. The food was good and we were taught a lot about body hygiene and responsibility.
"We even had extra curricular activities at school. I then spent a year at Suva Grammar reaching upper Sixth Form. I sat the university entrance examination and went to Victoria University in Wellington to complete my degree in history from 1964 to 1967. It was my first time overseas and I had to adapt to the life there. Fortunately, we had a lot of teachers from New Zealand teaching at ACS during my time so I was exposed to their way of life.
"Life there is never easy. We depended so much on our government scholarship so most of us took on part time jobs. I started working at a candle shop learning how to make candles. I gained a lot of experience and I didn't know the different processes involved."
She then spent a year working in a factory sewing pillow cases and even head scarfs. Adi Finau was never embarrassed about the work she did as long as she was earning pocket money to survive in New Zealand.
Working life
She lived in the university hostel while completing her studies in New Zealand. Even though money was tight, she was determined to work hard to support and pay her way around. At one stage, Adi Finau worked as a babysitter. She said the job was an enjoyable one especially when meals were provided and the pay was enough. She then worked at the Downstage Theatre in downtown Wellington as a waitress. Although, waitressing was never on her mind, she knew she had to work hard.
Learning different trades was a part of Adi Finau's life that has taught her the meaning of appreciating the little things in life.
She said part of her job as a waitress was to set and clear tables. She said the plays at the theatre usually started at 8pm while dinner was served at 7pm. Within that hour, they had to make sure guests were served their three course meal, wine and coffee before the show started.
"We were very busy and making sure everything was done before the play started was really challenging. On one occasion, I was carrying a pile of dirty plates.
"I stumbled and the plates fell on one of the guests. I was so embarrassed but luckily the guest was gracious about the accident and said æyou know my dear, I am so glad I wore the black dress and not the white one'.
"I graduated from university in 1967. The following year I did my teacher training at Epsom Secondary Teachers College in Auckland.
"I returned to Fiji in 1968 and became a passionate supporter of the National Federation Party. However, I was not a politician but I was more interested in looking at good leadership in government. In 1969, I completed my training techniques from the Royal Institute of Public Administration in the United Kingdom.
"I returned to Fiji and joined the department of localisation and training. I was a training officer from 1968 to 1970. It was a challenging experience but an exciting one at the same time."
From 1971 to 1975, she was assistant secretary for the Ministry of Urban Development, Housing and Social Welfare. She was also assistant secretary for the Central Planning Office.
Apart from this, Adi Finau was secretary to the development subcommittee of the Secretariat Department, Cabinet development committee and social and economic council from 1975 to 1977. Adi Finau then joined the United Nations Development Program as a program assistant.
"My responsibilities were mainly to monitor planning figures that came under the UNDP.
"In 1981, I was a fellow in development administration in the Institute of Social and Administrative Studies at USP. From 1987 to 1992, I became minister for women, culture and social welfare as well as the caretaker minister for health.
"During that appointment I joined the fellowship at US state department. At the time, Bill Clinton was town governor for a place called Little Rock in Arkansas," she said.
Adi Finau was a member of the senate from 1994 to 2000 as well as a member of select committees including customary fishing rights, police and health services, Fiji Intelligence Services, senate renumeration and Fiji participation in business.
In 2000, she was appointed assistant minister in the Prime Minister's Office.
Highlights
Some of the highlights of her life include preparing a proposal to establish microfinance in Fiji for the Prime Minister's Office and reviewing the Nabou landowners proposal to purchase Nabou Pine Forests from Fiji Pine. This was for the Ministry of Agriculture.
In 1996, she compiled Fiji's status report on the Convention for the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women. Some of her consultancy services include project management course for pine extension officers of Fiji Pine Limited and studies for the ministry of agriculture on labour supply for cane harvesting and cane transport system in Seaqaqa, Vanua Levu.
She also consulted in a case study of Seaqaqa area as proposed growth centre. Adi Finau's international experiences include attending the South Pacific economic council finance committee meeting in Papua New Guinea in 1974.
In 1977, she was attached to the UNDP office in New York. Three years later, she attended YWCA International training institute in Cartigny, Switzerland.
In 1992, she led Fiji's delegation to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific meeting in Beijing, China.

10 things about Adi Finau

She created the phrase 'democracy foreign flower';

Climbed Mount Victoria in 1960;

Tried to see Suva from Makuluva;

Has visited all the islands in the Yasawa Group;

She has been to all the provinces in Fiji except Rotuma;

Walked the Great Wall of China in 1992;

Visited the pyramids in Cairo Egypt in 1994;

She's been to the Sinai desert and the Suez Canal;

Considers the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara her role model; and

Her grandfather John William Brown was the first white settler on Vuna Point in Taveuni

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MEET VIR MATI OF SABETO, NADI

2008-06-03T21:39:00.003+12:00

FOLLOWING the death of her husband 10 years ago, Vir Mati (pictured) has been struggling to put food on the table and support her four children.
But that has not deterred the 62 year-old woman from starting her own nursery business from her home at Nasoso in Nadi.
She lives at her family home with her son and his family and one of her two daughters, a few minutes drive away from the Nadi International Airport.
Vir Mati and her son Sharwan operate the nursery business which is named after her son from their home which sits on about a quarter acre of land.
She said it has been a long struggle to get to where she is but the journey was worthwhile.
"I was born and raised in Sabeto. I moved to Nasoso when I got married," she said.
"I have four children. My husband was a labourer at the then Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji and I did domestic duties.
"But things started to change when my husband started getting sick and died in 1998. I had to support the family.
"It was not easy as I went around asking for money and doing housegirl jobs here and there.
Ms Mati said she had enough of borrowing from people and doing casual jobs to support her family six years after her husband died.
She said it was an enormous task to educate her children as they wanted to further their studies. "My children also had their fair share of pain and suffering," she said.
"My daughter who had completed her secondary education wanted to further her education at university level but I did not have the money to send her there.
"This affected my daughter mentally and now she is staying at home with me.
Ms Mati said she had gone to a flower show and saw how people bought pot plants although customers.
She said she immediately started her little business of 10 different flowers at that time in 2002.
"I found this very interesting so I carried on," she said.
"For three years after starting my business I never sold a plant. But as time went on I managed to sell three plants to Raffles Gateway Hotel.
"Then Arbor Week came along in 2005 when I managed to make around $70-$300.
"I also managed to score a hotel order ranging from $300 to $1000. This helped me out a lot."
Ms Mati said she would attend flower shows but did not like the fact that sales there were very low.
She said looking back she would not have guessed that she would be successful in her nursery business.
"It's been a long time coming and today I have almost every plant from roses to ferns," she said.
"The red ferns and other fern species rake in the highest sales.
"I would not change this for anything. Since my business has taken off I tend to my gardens in the morning around 7 and take a break from midday and then go back to the garden in the afternoon.
"My family has been through a lot and now we are doing okay. In life you have your ups and downs."

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MEET ASHA CHANDRA, OF TAUPO, NZ

2008-06-02T07:51:00.002+12:00

The contribution of volunteers in our communities has been immense as they give selflessly of themselves.
Volunteers have been leaving their mark in Fiji for many years.
Some have been actively involved in the development of our country, including the medical profession, agriculture, information technology, education and even home building.
One volunteer from New Zealand here to help build a home in Sigatoka is Asha Chandra, 45.
Although born and bred in Taupo, Asha has strong ties here.
Her parents are former residents Tilak and Damanti Chandra.
Her father is originally from Ba and is a Companion for the Queen's Service Order, apart from being a Justice of Peace.
Asha's father was actively involved in community work when in Fiji.
His passion for helping others has passed onto Asha who finds joy in aiding other people.
Although this is her fourth time to Fiji, this trip is a much more meaningful one.
She is part of a 10-member team from Habitat for Humanity New Zealand on a mission to complete a one-bedroom home for Waisake and Lidia Raibevu.
Third in a family of five children, Asha had a simple upbringing.
She said family togetherness was an important aspect of their daily life and everyone gave a helping hand whenever someone was in need.
She said both her grandmothers were born in Fiji while her grandfathers were born in India.
"I live in Hamilton but I was brought up in Taupo, which is in Waikato," she said.
"My father was quite popular when we were growing up.
"He worked hard to ensure we had a good upbringing.
"My father helped everyone and anyone he came across. "When he came to New Zealand, he worked for the railways here.
"He is a pundit.
"My mother was a simple housewife who was basically the backbone of our family.
"I have four sisters and growing up was fun.
"When I was younger I wanted to be a lot of things like a policewoman, a nurse and even an air hostess.
"But I enjoyed the life we had."
She attended primary school at Nawton Maeroa Intermediate before moving to Fraser High.
She then went to the Waikato Technical Institute.
Asha then worked in the records office as a supervisor.
She said the culture and way of life in New Zealand was structured and different but something she enjoyed.
"I joined the New Zealand army territorial part-time," she said.
"There were challenges but the experience was fun.
"I still keep in touch with some of my friends at reunions.
"I was part of the women's build project of Habitat for Humanity NZ.
"Two houses in NZ were built by 640 women in five weeks. "We had help from qualified builders though.
"The women in Waikato have beaten the world record by building a house in four days.
"I have learned a lot through volunteer work like how to be independent and having the courage to do what is considered to be a job for men."
Asha was a corporal in the New Zealand territorial Army.
She is now office administrator for the Relax Training Institute of New Zealand.
In addition, she is a New Zealand migrant specialist teaching migrants from all over the world the English language.
Surprisingly enough, she helps teach English to people living in New Zealand.
She said for the past few days, the experience in Fiji working with locals and living in the village was a memory she would cherish.
"I have been a volunteer but this is the first time for me to go overseas to help build.
"We pay our airfares, accommodation and food. "We made a cash donation as well. Regardless of that, the experience was worth every buck.
"Knowing that I can help make a difference in someone else's life is good enough for me.
"I feel so happy and pleased with the work I have done to build a home for a family. "Having family heritage from Fiji is something special.
"My advice is if you have the opportunity to do something worthwhile then grab that opportunity. If helping people is something that makes you happy then go for it.
"For me, volunteering my services and time to come here to help build a home from scratch is fulfilling and rewarding," she said.
The Kiwi volunteers leave on Thursday but not before completing the wooden house for the Raibevu family.

Adapted from Fijitimes Online

MEET MERE SAGAITU OF EKUBU, VATULELE NADROGA

2008-05-31T16:02:00.004+12:00

WHEN a person has been blessed with special talents, enabling them to do wonders with their hands, they should not neglect that, says masi maker Mere Sagaitu.
She believes if anyone was blessed with special talents they should put it to good use otherwise that talent will be taken away from them.
"Everyone has been blessed with a talent and they should put it to good use and not sit idle if they do not have any form of employment to either support themselves or their families," she said.
In Mere's case, masi making has always been in her family genes and her one passion in life.
The mother of three hails from Ekubu, Vatulele, while her husband Petero Sagaitu, hails from Sawaieke, on Gau.
Mere, as she prefers to be called, recalled her days as a young girl on Vatulele when she used to help her grandmothers prepare the inner bark of the mulberry tree for the masi.
She said as she got older she went on to complete her secondary education at Dudley in Suva after completing her primary years on the island of Vatulele.
"After I finished high school I stayed at home with my parents in Sigatoka before deciding what I was going to do with my life," she said. I learnt masi making through my grandmothers when I was growing up in Vatulele.
"This skill or talent as one may call it has remained with me because any free time I had, I used to try it out."
Mere said she loved masi making and would not swap it for anything else.
She said the inspiration for her to start her own business came about after she got married.
She said at the time she decided to start her own business, her husband who was a miner with the Emperor Gold Mines in Vatukoula, was one of the few who had opted to take the package back in 1991.
"Looking back, I can say the journey has been a long one," she said.
"My husband and I had decided to start our own masi making business for ceremonies like weddings or house decoration."
Mere said since starting out the business, orders have been coming in from major tourist shopping outlets.
She said she has also employed other women in the area to help beat the mulberry bark to prepare the masi.
She said although it was a tiring job the returns were worthwhile.
She said the pieces range from wedding suits, to birthday outfits with prices to match.
"It's going to be an even longer one now that I have actually gone into selling my masi," she said.
Mere said the other positive thing to have come about from starting her own business was that she now teaches masi making to students who visit her requesting to learn.
She said by entering the masi making business she has been able to also meet up with her business contacts.
"Last year during the Christmas art display in Suva I was approached by the Pacific Cultural Centre in Hawaii to do some masi work for them," she said.

Adapted from Fijitimes Online

MEET LIDIA RAIBEVU OF NABUKAVESI, NAMOSI

2008-05-30T06:11:00.002+12:00

Imagine living in a one bedroom house with 18 relatives to look after. Life would definitely be one of hardship and difficulty especially when there is only one breadwinner in the family.
For 32 year-old Lidia Raibevu (pictured), having a home of her own had been a figment of her imagination for the past four years.
Lidia and her husband, Waisake are part of Project 30/30 headed by non-profit Christian organisation Habitat for Humanity. The home build project involves building 30 homes in 30 weeks for 30 low income earning families.
Originally from Nabukavesi in Namosi, Lidia is third in a family of seven children.
Her late father, Avenai Waqilau worked as a clerk for Carpenters Shipping while her mother Mere was a housewife.
Lidia had always wanted to join the police force. For her, being a policewoman was inspiring, especially the fact that the duty of the police force was to help and protect people.
"We had a simple upbringing but even life then was not an easy one. We lived in Lami and life there wasn't easy especially living in town. There were a lot of expenses but my parents worked hard to provide us with a good education. We lived close to the sea and I remember my mother used to catch and sell fish for a living.
"I had a strict upbringing but it helped build my character. I had first wanted to be a policewoman because I loved the uniform they wore. I think the feeling of wanting to help others was inspiring enough and besides I grew up next to a police station."
She attended primary school at Marist Convent in Lami. From 1990 to 1994, she continued her secondary education at Cathedral. After high school, she decided to find a part time job as a waitress.
She then moved on to join Carrodocs Investment as a sales agent. Although being involved in sales and advertising, Lidia always maintained her desire to don the police uniform.
"I worked as a part time waitress for two years. I moved on to work as a sales agent for Carrodocs Investment. We sold all types of goods to different wholesale and retail companies.
The business went into bankruptcy so I joined Private Seas hotel and the Travel Inn. I worked there as a maid and receptionist.
"I still had that feeling inside to join the police force. I wanted to help people. In 2000, I was asked to be a volunteer teacher at Marist Convent Primary School. I was very happy working as a volunteer teacher for Class One students. I love children. I had a daughter when I was 19 years old and she lives with my parents. I never thought I would teach even as a volunteer. The experience was very educational and motivational."
She was also part of the Catholic Women's League, a non-government organisation which is part of the National Council for Women.
Her membership in the organisation allowed her to participate in workshops on various issues in Fiji. In 2001, she joined the police force.
She completed the required training and after months of dedication and commitment, she finally achieved her dream.
"The minute I put on the uniform, I felt my dreams had come true. I was a special constable in the force. The following year in 2002, I married my husband who is a policeman. I left the force and joined Dauniyau ni Yasana women's group as their treasurer. I resigned from that position last year and stayed home to look after my four year old son. My husband is the sole breadwinner in the family and even though times are hard, I always have faith and trust in the Lord.
"I believe I have achieved my dreams. I am happy that with the help of Habitat for Humanity, my family will have a house to call our own. The secret to achieving one's dream is to have a good education and to work hard. That is the only way up the success ladder," she said.

Adapted from Fijitimes Online

MEET SEMI KOROILAVESAU OF NALOTU, YAWE, KADAVU

2008-05-26T10:43:00.002+12:00

When growing up in Nalotu, Yawe in Kadavu, Semi Koroilavesau never dreamt that one day he would be a naval officer, forget being a director of a prominent cruise company.
Being the boss of the Captain Cook Cruises and travelling to nearly all the countries in the world was a far cry from his life at Nalotu.
He had made a name for himself in not only the cruise shipping sector, but also in the naval division of the Republic of the Fiji Military Forces where he finished of with the rank of a Commander.
He is also a chairman of the Fiji Ports Corporation and is a qualified sea captain.
He said he was now enjoying the fruit of the sacrifice and the teachings of his parents, some of his teachers and the determination he had earlier in his younger days.
But the way to get there was not smooth sailing for Mr Koroilavesau who is commonly known as Commander Semi.
Life definitely did not come on a silver platter for him.
With seven siblings, his younger days were full of struggles, having to share whatever little they had.
But he said it was the strict upbringing from his parents that directed him to a good path in life.
"My father was a disciplinarian and my mother was caring and loving," he said.
And they were devoted Methodists who always ensured our faith was intact.
He said even though life in the village was the happiest thing he could think of, money was hard to obtain.
"My father had to struggle to support the family especially when there were eight of us," he said.
His father was a handy man at Richmond High School, who emphasised on education for all his children.
Commander Semi said since his father was a handy man, he and his siblings were able to get free education at Richmond.
Since they were staying at the Richmond School compound, he had to walk for about two hours to get to get to his primary school - Yawe District.
It was a two hour walk in the morning and another two hours back.
That went for six years from 1963 to 1968 until he passed his Fiji Intermediate Examination
That was a big relief for him as he would no longer walk long distances, because he lived in the school compound.
At Richmond, he used to help his mother sell food to the other students to get additional income for the family.
"My late mother used to make roti parcels and I helped sell it to the teachers and students," he said.
Commander Semi said his grandmother, a skillful handicraft maker, also contributed towards the family upkeep.
And every Saturday, he had no choice but to help his father at the plantation.
"We used to go in the morning and come back late in the afternoon," he said.
"That was something I dreaded and my father often reminded me that was what life in the village was all about.
"He told me that if I do not want to live that kind of life, I must study hard and try to get a good job after school," he said.
With determination and a strict upbringing Commander Semi was able to pass his Fiji Junior Examination in 1972 and secured a place at Lelean Memorial School.
"I boarded in Lelean from 1973 to 1975," he said.
Although life at boarding school was not easy, it was fun, he said.
Knowing very well the difficulties faced back at home, Commander Semi told his father to only give him his school fees and he would work for his pocket money.
"Me and the other students from the islands used to go to Indian families in Davuilevu and neighbouring areas and work for them on Saturdays after our chores from the hostel," he said.
"That's what you call kam-karo," he said.
He used to earn about $2 to $2.50 for cleaning their gardens and raking their compounds.
Commander Semi said that time there were a lot wild jackfruit at Davuilevu.
"We used to get that and sell them to the Indian families that we went to for 75 cents," he said.
"That was extra money for us."
He said the money was enough for their movies at the Regent in Nausori plus half a loaf of bread and butter.
"That time, we always ate kadrala (hard cassava), so the money we got, we bought our bread," he said.
He said one of the teachers then, Autiko Daunakamakama really moulded him well during those days.
"He is someone I always look up to," he said.
After passing Form Six, Commander Semi had a choice of whether to go to the University of the South Pacific or joined the military.
"Since I was not so disciplined that time with big hair and no care at all of how I looked, I thought the military would be the best place to get the discipline that I lacked," he said.
So he went for the officer cadet course in January 4, 1976.
He went to the naval division the same year and he stayed there for 18 years.
He was one of the two officers who started Captain Cook Cruises in 1988 while he was still in the military, but had to resign in 2003 to pursue his business dreams.
Commander Semi is married to Joanne, who is now his operations manager.
He has five children - his eldest son Alifereti is a naval officer and he is away training in Malaysia.
His second son Lars, a former navy personnel, is an engineer for Captain Cook Cruises.
His only daughter Ballina is in the US Air Force and two of his younger sons are also in America.
His youngest son is at home in Nakurakura and attending Nadi Airport School.
He has two grandchildren - Ballina and Josaia.

Adapted from Fijitimes Online

MEET ELINA NAIKELEKELEVESI OF VANUA LEVU

2008-05-26T10:31:00.003+12:00

Her husband, Sireli, may be one of Fiji's top athletes but Elina Naikelekelevesi (pictured) has a reason to shine on her own.
The 31 year-old physiotherapist is the coordinator for the CAL program which focuses on competency based training, assessment, consultancy and community solutions. It is basically an early intervention training program for teachers, parents and caregivers of children with special needs.
Elina grew up with a medical background. Her father, Semesa Matanaicake, was a doctor. The eldest of seven children, her life has been one of many travels. Her father's profession as a plastic surgeon meant travelling to New Zealand and the United States of America.
Her mother, Ilisapeci Qelemumumu, is from Vanuabalavu and her father is from Vanua Levu. Elina said her cooking skills kicked in when she started Form One at Suva Grammar School after attending primary school at Veiuto. She continued part of her primary education at Cornwall Park District in Auckland.
"I had a very happy and blissful upbringing. My father was a doctor so we grew up in the staff quarters. My mother used to work at Morris Hedstrom before she married and afterwards she stayed home to look after us. In fact, my mother is my mentor in cooking. She was the one who taught me how to cook.
"I used to hear my friends say they could cook this and that so I decided to learn how to cook. Even in secondary school, I took home economics so I learned to better my cooking skills there. Sometimes, I would help my mother around the kitchen. This particular watercress and tuna salad is one I usually make at home. It is a healthy salad either for lunch or as a side dish."
Another option Elina usually goes for is whisking lemon juice, a drop of soya bean oil, salt, sugar and pepper with vegetable from the fridge. She says fresh tomatoes would also add flavour and taste to the salad mix.
Toast on the side is an added bonus to the salad although this would be a proficient way of making use of left over bread. Like most medical professionals, Elina believes good food whether vegetables or bread should not go to waste.
"I make a lot of things from left overs like this salad for instance. A combination of bean sprouts, lettuce, watercress, cucumber, carrots and even apples. The toasted bread with butter is an option for many otherwise on its own it is also healthy.
"I spent Form Five and Six at Adi Cakobau before doing part time foundation studies at the University of the South Pacific. I wanted to study what my father studied but I was not as smart as my dad. So I opted for other fields like pharmacy but at the time the Fiji School of Medicine was not accepting new intakes. The next option was physiotherapy. My mother was a very strong person. She was the one who pushed me to take on physiotherapy," she said.
She then continued her education at FSM before working three years at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital as a physiotherapist. Elina was then transferred to Rewa subdivision hospital in Wainibokasi.
In 2002, she married Sireli Naikelekelevesi who she met during one of his occasional training routines past her home on Suva's Extension Street. For Elina, physiotherapy is not only massaging people as most people would think. It is more of a hands-on job, interacting with patients and finding ways to help them or ease their pain. She said physiotherapy also deals with exercising as part of a treatment technique.
The mother of four believes anyone can achieve their dreams if they work hard, persevere and pray. One of her highlights was being a member of the medical team for the national basketball side during the South Pacific Games in 2003.
She was also the physio for the Tailevu rugby team and the Rewa soccer team. In 2005, Elina was the physio for the national netball team to the Commonwealth Games in New Zealand in 2005.

Adapted from Fijitimes Online

MEET SULITA DUGU OF NAROQALI, MACUATA

2008-05-26T10:17:00.002+12:00

IF you are a career woman, it can be hard managing your work and family, especially when you have 12 children.
But as the saying goes behind every successful man is a strong woman in Sulita Dugu's case, she had the support of her husband who made life a whole lot easier.
Sulita is the deputy headteacher at Holy Family Primary School in Labasa, Vanua Levu.
Her story about growing up in the interior of Macuata province, her journey into boarding school until she became a teacher reads like a bestselling biography.
Second in a family of four children, Sulita often played the role of eldest because her older brother was brought up by an aunt.
Her parents were simple villagers and farmers but her father worked hard for their future.
Her father Aisake Matayau went to Navuso Agricultural School to learn about tilling and planting the land.
He returned to the village after Navuso and started a dairy farm.
"We stayed on a farm near Nacaurokovi Village but the village had to relocate so the people could be near the main road.
"The actual village was called Naroqali and it was in the interior between Savusavu and Labasa.
"The new village site was near the main road for convenience.
"My father received limited education but he was able to apply the knowledge of agriculture he learnt at Navuso to start a farm.
"The cattle farm did not work out though because some people in the village said our cattle were polluting the water so my father stopped it and started a chicken farm.
"That too did not turn out well so he switched to yaqona and dalo farming.
"I remember watching my father waking up early in the morning to take dalo and grog to sell at the market.
"He used to walk in the dark with his kerosene lamp.
"The main road was far from where we lived and my father did all that to support us."
With her father's daily routine to the market, Sulita said they and their mother spent most of the time living alone until he came home.
She said her father would come back late at night from the market but they would eagerly be waiting for him and whatever goodies he brought home.
She said her father was a disciplined man and always stressed to them to go to school and work hard to get a better life.
"He did not want us to struggle in life as he did.
"The place we lived in was called Senitebe and our home was a Fijian bure.
"Everything in the village was very traditional but my father made sure we went to school.
"When I was six, my mother thought I was too young to go to school but my father would no accept it.
"I had always wanted to be a teacher. We went to primary school at Nabala Catholic Mission near Naduri. It was near the sea and a boarding school. "I started boarding from Class One and it was very hard.
"We had to do everything on our own but lucky for us we were looked after by nuns from the order of the Sisters of Our Lady of Nazareth (SOLN).
"From Nabala, I passed to Loreto High School at Tokou on Ovalau.
It was an all-girls Catholic school run by the nuns which later merged with the all-boys St John's College at Cawaci to be co-educational.
"I was one of the first senior students at the co-ed St John's College.
"I am among the fortunate students to be taught, inspired and motivated by the teachings of the Marist priests and nuns. For me, I have come to realise that you can only achieve great things if you work hard and are confident in what you do."
The tough boarding life groomed Sulita to be independent later in life.
In 1974, she enrolled at Corpus Christi Teachers Training College in Suva and graduated two years later as a teacher.
Her first posting was to St Peter Chanel School at Korolevu on the Coral Coast.
Like most first-timers, Sulita was nervous but excited at the prospect of going out into the professional world.
She says being a teacher is one the greatest privileges in life because she teaches and listens to children in primary school and it is always overwhelming for her.
"Being a teacher has always been my dream ever since I started school.
"As teachers, we have to be understanding and compassionate about the work we do.
"We listen to children and help them understand more about life.
"I was part of the excellence in education program organised by the Training and Productivity Authority of Fiji.
"It was an eye-opener for me as a teacher.
"I had always wanted to join a training program such as the one I attended to broaden my knowledge and scope on time management and how to develop students holistically to become better citizens.
"Managing my time as a teacher and looking after 12 children of my own is not easy but I am fortunate to have a husband who is hardworking and very understanding.
"I had four children when I was teaching in Lautoka and Ba.
"My other eight children were born when we moved to Seaqaqa.
"My husband was very good and considerate.
"When I had our children, he stayed home to look after them, cooking and doing the work at home.
"After our children grew up, he started working again."
In 2004, Sulita was appointed chaperon of the junior ambassadors of Fiji to Fukuoka in Japan.
Her parents bought a cane farm at Seaqaqa and she helped support her younger brother with his education. Her brother Romanu Turaganiwai is a doctor.
She said an important advice young people should follow is listen to your parents.
She said peer pressure made it hard for some people to listen to their parents. Sulita is a proud mother and grandmother.
One thing she is proud of is her 107-year-old grandmother who is still alive to see five generations of her clan.

Adapted from Fijitimes Online

MEET ROSIE BALEIWAI OF VANUADINA, TOKATOKA, TAILEVU

2008-05-17T19:25:00.002+12:00

THERE is always a smile on Rosie Baleiwai's face when she talks about how she loves to take care and help children at the Early Intervention Centre at Hilton House in Suva.
The 37-year-old woman has been teaching at the centre for 13 years and does not regret the path she has chosen in life.
Rosie is an executive teacher for mainstream education at the centre.
Basically, she prepares children with special needs for the mainstream curriculum, hence her work is classed as special.
Born and bred in Suva, Rosie is originally from Vanuadina in Tokatoka, Tailevu.
Her father Jale Vatubua was a soldier while her mother Margaret Bucknell, of part-European decent, worked as a machinist at the Central Manufacturing Company which is now the British American Tobacco (Fiji) Limited at Nabua.
The youngest of two siblings, Rosie always had a soft spot for children.
"I was brought up in Suva, at Rewa Street, to be precise, and when I was young, I had always wanted to be a teacher in primary school," says Rosie.
"I love working with children and I was interested in reading and helping children.
"My parents were not that rich but we had the basics.
"They were in the low-income earners bracket which meant that life for us was a struggle.
"Fortunately, through my parents hard work, we were able to get a good education.
"They worked very hard to provide us with a good life.
"The thing that really inspired me to become a teacher was the fact that as a teacher we saw the children come to school with no skills and when they leave school, they had acquired skills which would help them be independent.
"That feeling is indescribable and it makes me feel happy to know that I helped make a difference in someone's life."
Rosie attended primary school at Veiuto before continuing at Suva Grammar School.
However in 1990, her father died and her mother was left to look after Rosie and her sister.
The following year, Rosie was able to further her education at West Lake College in New Zealand.
She returned to Fiji in 1992 and applied to the Fiji College of Advanced Education at Nasinu to become a teacher.
She had earlier applied to study at the Lautoka Teachers College but had to turn down the offer because her father was sick at that time.
"My dad didn't want me to live far so I turned down the offer to go to Lautoka. During my interview at FCAE, I told them that I had been accepted at LTC but had to turn down the offer.
Somehow, after that, my application went to LTC where I graduated in 1993. I was boarding at that time and it was a new experience for me.
"My first posting was to Navatusila District School at Nokonoko up the Sigatoka Valley in Navosa.
"It was a whole new experience for me especially when I had never been away from the city.
"I had to learn to cook my food using firewood and wash clothes outside.
"It was a learning experience for me but it was an enjoyable one as well."
From the salad bowl, Rosie returned to the city and spent one week at the Suva Special School in Namadi.
During that time, the headteacher of the centre, the late Adi Talatoka Kotobalavu, was looking for a young teacher and Rosie happened to fit the profile of a caring teacher.
She joined the centre in 1995 and has never regretted the path she took.
For her, teaching children with special needs at the centre has been challenging but she admits the patience involved in caring and teaching the children has been overwhelming.
"We are trained at teacher's college to teach the mainstream curriculum basically on the blackboard but when we are put in an environment such as the centre, it is a whole new world and a very different environment.
"However, when children from different backgrounds come together we help mould them and prepare them for the mainstream education to prepare them for the future.
"These children should be given the opportunity to learn. At the centre there are different expectations and different teaching methods involved.
"Children are very special and each of them learn differently.
"I usually have a class of nine children but the number of students varies through the week.
"However, I am very happy and I feel satisfied knowing that I can help these children."
The mother-of-four is an inspiration not only is the work she does a sign of her endless commitment and care for children but you can see the passion in her eyes when she expresses how passionate she is about the special children.
That, alone, is enough to make someone appreciate the role of special teachers in our society.
And in most cases, people such as Rosie happen to be the unsung heroes of our society.

Adapted from Fijitimes Online

MEET PHAMACIST, JOSHILA LALA OF SUVA

2008-05-07T21:45:00.002+12:00

There is always a time in a person's life where medicine is needed to cure an illness or a sickness. The one person everyone usually goes to for this apart from the doctors and nurses are the pharmacists.
Like any pharmacist, Joshila Lal knows what it takes to make sure people get the right medication for their illness.
She is the pharmacist in charge at Pharmacy Plus in Suva.
Born and bred in the heart of Suva, Joshila is the youngest of two children.
Life was never easy for the young pharmacist especially when her father, Raman Lal was the only breadwinner in the family.
Growing up in Amy Street, Toorak, Joshila knew from an early age she wanted to help people.
Her father was a sales assistant and her mother, Bhanumati Lal was a housewife.
She said despite her father's low income, they still managed to live a happy life.
Joshila said her mother used to do odd jobs to help out with family finances.
"I was brought up in a poor family. We lived opposite the Suva Private Hospital which was not there before. We had a small home, one bedroom and my father was the only breadwinner at the time. It was a difficult life back then but we managed to get by," she said.
"My mother was a housewife but she also did odd jobs like tailoring and this helped with the finances of our family.
"It was my mother who wanted me to become a pharmacist because that time there was a pharmacy and a doctor living opposite us. She wanted my brother to be a doctor and me the pharmacist. However, I turned out to be the pharmacist and my brother turned out to be a teacher."
In 1981, she attended primary school at Nehru Memorial and later continued her secondary education at Dudley High completing Form Seven.
Fortunately for her, hard work and perseverance paid off when she was awarded the John Crawford scholarship which is now known to many as the AusAID scholarship.
"I attended Victorian College of Pharmacy in Melbourne, Australia. It was my first time away from home and I stayed at a boarding house and it was something I enjoyed despite missing my family. I found the experience an eye opener especially since it was a whole new experience for me. There were a lot of differences in Australia like the way things were taught at university as well as the different cultures.
"I wasn't the only one homesick. There were other students from Singapore and Malaysia who felt the same way I did when I first arrived. Missing home and finding everything new. It was something we had in common and this is what made us get along with life.
"I graduated in 1998 with a degree in Pharmacy. This was after I did my training and internship. I also completed a Diploma of Health Science in Herbal Medicine."
Apart from university life, Joshila also worked for a little extra pocket money.
She was employed as a sales assistant at a pharmacy in Australia where she was able to save up for casual holidays overseas including Europe and Thailand.
Joshila worked in Australia for five years before returning to Fiji in 2002. She was then employed at Medicine Pharmacy at Cumming Street, Suva for three years.
"I then went to Lautoka to work at Thakor Lal's Pharmacy. Eventually, I came back to Suva and I only just recently started work here at Pharmacy Plus.
"My job requires me to be on the move all the time. Being a pharmacist is not easy. You have to make sure people get the right dosage, the right medication for the right person.
"It is a job that needs constant concentration because you are dealing with people. You need to double check everything you do to make sure the right person gets the right medicine.
"To be a pharmacist, one needs to study hard, persevere and show dedication.
"The most important thing is to have the passion to want to help people. If you don't have that then it is no use being a pharmacist. I enjoy the work I do because I know I am helping people," said the young pharmacist.

Adapted from Fijitimes Online

SOFAIA BULI KATIA OF QALIKARUA VILLAGE, MATUKU, LAU

2008-05-06T22:42:00.003+12:00

CARE giving is not an easy job because it takes a lot of willingness, love and care to look after the elderly.
To be able to share her knowledge on nursing and care giving is fulfilling for Sofaia Buli Katia.
Sofaia, 62, is the operations manager for Care Giver Services International (Fiji).
She was born with the passion and heart for helping others in Suva. The eldest of five children, Sofaia is from Qalikarua Village, Matuku in Lau.
Her parents were Temo and Senimili Bola. Her father was an accountant with the Ministry of Health and her mother a nurse at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital.
Following in her parent's footsteps by working for the betterment of the nation, Sofaia was always interested in teaching Home Science.
"I grew up in Charles Street, Toorak before we moved to the Draiba government quarters in Nasese." she says.
"I wanted to be a teacher but as I grew up, I wanted to be a nurse. I found nursing good and I enjoy helping other people, especially the elderly and sick.
"I remember looking after my young siblings and sometimes I looked after my maternal grandparents at Nabudrau in Noco.
"I learned a lot of things such as how to allocate chores to my siblings and look after my grandparents."
Sofaia attended Annesley which is now Suva Methodist Primary then to Ballantine Memorial at Delainavesi and Dudley High in Toorak where she completed Form Five. In 1965, she entered nursing school. I was one of the few students chosen to study New Zealand nursing courses at Central Nursing School which is FSN now. I was happy about the opportunity and was very interested in nursing. However, our tutor was learning how to teach and I was interested in teaching too.
"I inquired about being a nurse educator. At that time, top nursing people thought I was going to leave nursing to join Nasinu Teachers College.
"When it was time for the tutors to go back to New Zealand, someone had to continue the program in Fiji and I was chosen to be an understudy to the tutor.
"It was hard because you have to teach student nurses and learn how to deal with people."
In 1968, she graduated as a New Zealand-trained nurse and did her internship at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital.
In 1969, when she was in her early 20s, she became a tutor at nursing school. It was difficult at first especially having to speak English all the time but she managed.
"I was transferred to Lautoka where I spent 18 months before returning to Suva.
"When I returned, I was asked to run the New Zealand nursing program with Rigieta Nadakuitavuki.
"In 1975, I completed a vocational teacher's certificate course at the University of the South Pacific.
"I also helped with lectures in anatomy for paramedics at nursing school in Suva and also helped teach in the same field at the Fiji School of Medicine. I got married in 1971 and in 1979 my husband obtained a scholarship to for his post-graduate studies in dentistry at Otago University in New Zealand.
"We left for NZ and came back in 1980 and moved to Lautoka where my husband was transferred and I went back to teaching at Lautoka Nursing School.
"When the school closed in 1987, I came back to FSN in Tamavua."
Through her hard work and perseverance, Sofaia became the matron in service at Lautoka Hospital in 1992.
In 1997, she completed her nursing degree at Sydney University. She retired from nursing in 2001 but did part-time work as a supervisor at CWM Hospital.
Sofaia was later asked to take charge of the Diploma in Children Services program at the Australia Pacific Tertiary Institute.
She later joined CSI in 2007 sharing her knowledge and experience in the field of care giving.
"There are a lot of things I want to share about care giving," she said.
"The word care giving is another word for nursing.
"Here at CSI, we teach about the ageing process and communication is very important.
"We teach people how to care for old people. Care giving is a stepping stone for other things in life.
"The important thing about care giving is showing love and care for people of all ages.
"It is about good personal care and is something I am happy and proud of doing," the mother-of-four said.

Adapted from Fijitimes Online

MEET LUKE SHANNON OF SCOTLAND

2008-05-05T21:01:00.002+12:00

While many 18-year-olds are still trying to figure out what they want to be when they grow up, Luke Shannon already enjoys the work he does.
Originally from Stirling, in Scotland, Luke is a volunteer physical education teacher at the Nasikawa Vision College, in Sigatoka.
The lanky teen has dedicated his time to share his knowledge and sports skills with athletes from the college.
Since arriving in February, Luke has only one thing on his mind and that is to help teach students ways to develop their natural athletic talents.
His parents are Rosie and Robin Shannon.
His father works as a management consultant while his mother is a teacher.
Although Luke seems to follow in his mother's footsteps by being a volunteer teacher, he definitely has a passion for something else sport.
"This is my first time to come to Fiji and I am very excited and happy being here," he said.
"I am here as a volunteer PE teacher for the Gap Activity Project.
"It is a charitable organisation and we offer our services for the betterment of the people we work with.
"As for me, I have been actively involved in sports back home so I volunteered my services to help in the area of sports.
"My sister went to Malaysia as a volunteer so I became interested in being a volunteer too.
"It is very challenging but I am looking forward to the rest of my stay here." He said this was not the first time for volunteers from the charitable organisation to work in Fiji. Luke said in 2002 a group of volunteers came to Fiji specialising in different fields and helping out whenever they could.
Like most volunteers, Luke does not mind his unpaid services.
His satisfaction comes from helping an athlete improve his or her skills in sports.
He was part of the Coca-Cola Light Games, officiating as an arena marshal.
Being part of the secondary schools athletics meet was another memorable experience for him.
"Seeing the talent in local athletes is fantastic," he said.
"There is a lot of natural talent among the students and it is good to have these kinds of competitions where they can develop their talent.
"I mostly help them with training, so for me too this is a learning process too.
"I want to learn the different cultures here and I have made many friends.
"Fiji is a fantastic place and the people are really friendly.
"I had to sign up with the charity organisation and I had to pay for my travel and accommodation.
"However, the experience here is great," he said.
Luke is not the only volunteer at the Nasikawa Vision College.
Another volunteer, Michael Perry, from England, is sports teacher as well.
They both are in the country for seven months and will leave in August.
However, despite coming half way across the world to help develop the talents of students at the college, the two volunteers will take with them fond memories of their time in Fiji.

Adapted from fijitimes Online

MEET WARREN AND CHRISTINE PICKERING

2008-05-04T07:57:00.003+12:00

Newly-weds Christine and Warren Pickering chanced upon the idea for a new business while preparing for their December nuptials last year.
The couple, who had a sunset theme for their wedding and reception, were having trouble finding the right coloured flowers for their special day.
Taking the matter into their own hands, they experimented with pigment treating dendrobium orchids.
The response from wedding guests was such that the Pickerings knew they were on to something.
After a couple of months of perfecting their pigment treating technique, they launched Fusion Orchids on February 13, the day before Valentine's, at the Mid City Plaza in Suva.
At first, people walked by the brightly-coloured orchids assuming they were fake, says Christine.
But once they realised they weren't plastic or spray painted, they fell in love with them, she says.
"Our orchids being very different and unique have surprised a lot of people making them appreciate orchids even more."
The couple says the tropical orchids are naturally treated to bring out the spectacular colours that make a Fusion Orchid.
The process does not affect the life span of the flowers, which last between one to two weeks, they say.
In all, the company has 10 types with evocative names like sunset, aqua and cinnabar.
For Valentine's Day, their best seller was the cinnabar, which has a bright pinkish red hue.
The couple sells a strand or spray with 10 to 20 orchids on it for $8. Fusion Orchids sells bouquets and floral arrangements and carries out decorations for events on request.
Since its February debut, the fledgling business has been targeting special occasions like birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, conferences and functions.
"One of our specialties is being able to satisfy the floral needs of every bride-to-be, by giving them a choice of orchids to match their wedding theme," says Christine.
Now catering to other people's weddings, the couple has come full circle with their new business.
"We never really thought of entering the floral industry but since we're both business minded we saw an opportunity and took advantage of it," says Warren.
The couple sees themselves as "floral revolutionists", "offering something new and innovative into the floral industry". "Introducing a new concept to an established market has been exhilarating for us," he says.
However, it hasn't all been smooth sailing.
"Starting a new business that is introducing a new concept into an established market is very challenging," he says.
"The market needs time to grasp and accept the concept being introduced. However we don't see this as being a drawback, but being part of the growing process."
Christine adds: "Creating awareness and changing customer perceptions towards our unique orchids has seen the business gradually grow."
The Pickerings know they have their work cut out given the country's current economic situation and consequent downturn in consumer spending with flowers being considered a luxury. "The odds of survival have been stacked up against us," she says.
To keep costs down, the young couple (who are in their mid-20s) operate from home.
To other young people thinking of venturing out on their own, they say: "Starting a business is not easy. Be sure to put in 110 per cent into it because you're working for your own benefit."
Fusion Orchids has a stand in the Mid City Plaza from 10.30 am to 2pm every Saturday.
Rajan Sami is a freelance writer and photographer based in Suva.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE PICKERINGS!

Adapted from Fijitimes Online

MEET MATAIASI CURUSESE

2008-05-04T07:51:00.003+12:00

FOR the older generations who frequently enter the gates of the Maximum Security Unit at Naboro, from the 70s and 80s and even until today, no one rose above Mataiasi Curusese, alias Make It.
But the Make It of that time which everyone knew, now takes a new road toward nation building by the plans that founded his knowledge of the sport of boxing in between his religious and lifetime testimonies of helping the young generation, in particular those who may be following his footsteps and still chasing their dream.
But his lifetime testimonies started way back in 1978 at the age of 18 where his life had only one goal to achieve and one vision to fulfil — to become a world champion in the only trade he knew, boxing.
His success throughout his amateur days and even his short professional career was inspired by the visions and dreams of being the first Fijian to don a world boxing title in his weight level.
Today, the mind that built his unfinished career and dreams has gone and he stands alone, reminiscing on a past chapter of his life he wants to bring back to life.
His story really starts at the setting of the sun in the Soul Man era with high-heeled shoes and bell bottoms, peace signs on Lee jackets with matching overall and pointed steel-toed boots, rock and roll music giving way to hip hop tunes, mini skirts with punk haircuts and weird bands like Kiss and others into heavy metal rock.
In the streets of Suva, the Green Army's dominant voice and reputation took quite a beating by the authorities on a clean-up campaign embarking on new concepts of development.
For the Ministry of Youth and Development, new sporting events and coaches like the late Harry Charman and Henry Gibson with martial arts, acrobat training and boxing with its overseas connections started cleaning the streets of Suva of homeless youths and a couple of Green Army people included joined the rollercoaster ride in the government's newly introduced "fight against crime".
Later in the same decade, the Police Mobile Unit now known as the Tactical Response Team had taken another approach as they patrolled the streets of Suva after 1am where a curfew was initiated for drunkards to stay clear of the streets.
If found on any corner in Suva or surrounding areas, you were placed under arrest and charged the next morning.
It was during this era that a lad of 17 and a bony expression and built reaching a little over five feet, eight inches, walked into the gym at the Union Club.
He picked a boxing glove, put it on and was called into the ring minutes later for a fight.
It was the beginning of what would rewrite the course of young Make It's life in his new path to the life he always wished for — to be an ambassador of his country to any games overseas.
With every opponent, he approached with the concept of becoming the best and later on a world champion.
It made him different from all the others.
It was during his training sessions that he developed another program to watch the other boxers.
His timing in the art of interception, as it was later introduced to the silver screen by the legendary Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune Do fighting techniques — where he could make two moves to every move you made.
For Make It, he developed a two-way counter that led with a decoy movement of the head showing his opponents his approach and then attacking the other parts of the body.
His eyes would clearly signify his targets whether it was the body, rib cage or the face.
Like the once undisputed world boxing champion Mike Tyson, his fall from grace hit him like a thunderstorm that never gave him a second chance in life but a
bottomless hole he is still falling through today.
It was a woman and a jail sentence that dethroned Tyson.
For Make It, it was a wrong turn that he still winces about today even though it was done in accordance of the gang law book.
Entering prison, being just a week away from the second phase of his world championship route, a Commonwealth tour, his first plans were to do his time, get out and get back with his life.
"It was the first thing I saw in there that made me what I became through those years.
"People were being forced to lick the concrete walkways clean with their bare tongue. Some were forced to eat cockroaches and the beatings, they said, were government orders to rehabilitate us, calling us animals," Make It said.
That changed every concept of his approach to prison.
He looked to the ministry as a fatherly figure which would develop him further in his dreams with their guiding hands but he saw the opposite.
His talent took to another bout in prison as he clashed with the guards throughout his sentence.
Unlike the others who gave in to the concrete-cleaning process when forced, he refused and every refusal called for another unofficial bout in the jungle where no holds were barred.
Meeting up with Iliaseri Saqasaqa (General), they organised what was to be the first strike in prison in 1980.
It was Make It who appointed General to be their spokesman, being the oldest in prison, while he became their hitman when all other methods failed.
It was Make It who torched every building during the riots.
The officers knew the prisoners hierarchy system that led to him and General being placed in dark cells after the takeover. As for Make It, he was confined to solitary dark cell punishment for six months without a blanket or mattress.
"Whether it was night or day, you could never tell but the number of meals," he said.
"If three came one after another, than it was daytime.
"The cold was unbearable and the dark cell is a terrifying experience.
"For us who spent more than a month in that place, we now suffer from arthritis."
Make It was released in the mid 80s and the two of them (him and General) had numerous cases of armed robbery across the country. His dreams of reaching the top had long been forgotten but what remained was rage.
"At times, all I could think of was killing. I came out with so much anger that I just wanted to raise an army and just drive by shooting and killing people."
His colleagues from Maximum, now free, picked up a new identity in crime violent robbers.
"The crimes that followed were always done in violence. Without it, we sort of missed out on our trademark and it wasn't us."
What took away his pride and love of his dream tainted his life forever that even his expression and his newly reformed concepts of nation building was a total contrast.
"I only want to get back to the ring as an assistant to any developing program that might see my ideas and the ways I developed my speed techniques.
"That is what I want to give back to the youths of today because along the line, there could be one more hungry than what I was but in the rhythm of the wrong company."
He said things could be smooth by the way they look but one thing he learned through experience is that some of the problems we face in this world, we did not chose them.
They chose us through our unseen fate and destiny.
"We cannot say one is better than the other or this one I prefer from the other one.
"They all have their gift to our understanding and experience building if we were to take a closer look at them and learn from them. In my own way and experience, I have learned to understand that every sad thing I encountered at the Maximum Security Unit, the insults and everything I call degrading was my preparation for the tonnes of experiences I want to share with the youths of today in the course of nation building."

Adapted from Fijitimes Online

MEET MELE CHAMBERS,GIFTED WEAVER FROM TUVALU

2008-05-04T07:41:00.002+12:00

EVERYONE is blessed with a talent or gift to do something special.
While some can sing or draw, Mele Chambers is a creative woman.
Her handicraft include mat and tapa-design baskets, handbags, shell beads and necklaces and other assorted handicraft for the home.
The 62-year-old woman of Samoan and Tokelauan descent was born and bred in Suva but as a child, she travelled to and fro from Tuvalu, Kiribati, Samoa and Fiji.
Third in a family of five children, Mele started learning handicraft from a young age.
Her parents were Simeona Peni and Lise Esera.
Her father was a doctor and that is why they travelled a lot to various Pacific islands.
"My maternal grandparents were missionaries from the London Missionary Society who went to Tuvalu.
"They were from Tokelau.
"My paternal grandparents were also missionaries but from Samoa.
"They too went to Tuvalu for their mission.
"That is where my parents met.
"That time, my mother used to help teach at missionary schools and then became a teacher.
"My parents got married in Tuvalu.
"Being a doctor was very hard and in those days, my father was the doctor for Gilbert and Ellis Islands (now Kiribati and Tuvalu).
"So we used to travel here and there a lot.
"After my maternal grandparents finished their missionary work in Tuvalu, they came back to Fiji.
"Unfortunately, my parents divorced and my mother was left to look after us."
Mele attended primary school at different levels in Samoa, and Tuvalu.
She continued her secondary school at Elaine Bernacchi Girls School in the late 1950s.
Mele is one of the pioneers of the school at Tarawa, Kiribati.
She came to Fiji in 1961 and rented at the Suva Hotel.
Mele's passion for creativity came from her grandmother.
"When I was young, my grandmother used to teach the craft in Tuvalu.
"She taught handicraft particular to Samoa and Tokelau.
"I used to watch her teach and eventually I was able to teach myself how to weave baskets.
"We moved to Waikerekere settlement at Veisari and our family house has been there since 1961.
"I continued my education at a commercial school studying typing. I got my Certificate in Typing but I decided to stay home and help my mother so my younger siblings could attend school.
"There were times when we used to spend the night outside the market to sell our handicraft to tourists who came in cruise liners that came.
"We sold a lot of things and it was good then because a lot of liners called."
Mele worked as a machinist at Kiwi United factory. She met Arthur Chambers from Nadroga and married in 1968.
She said apart from her Samoan, Kiribati and Tokelau baskets, she can also weave and design Tongan bags and baskets.
"After I married I stayed home and looked after my six children.
"I used to make roti parcels for my husband to sell at work just to help out especially when he was the only breadwinner.
"That time we had our own place but we moved back to Veisari 10 years ago, that is when I started to make mat and tapa baskets and bags.
"There were a lot of women in the area who knew how to make them but they did not really think of it.
"We formed the Veisari Women's Handicraft Association and held workshops to teach other women in our area the art of making handicraft.
"I used to have a stall at the Suva handicraft centre and gave it to the other women to sell their wares.
"I took it back last year and started selling my handicraft.
"The creativity and imagination is endless when it comes to designing your own baskets and mats.
"You can come up with all sorts of fancy designs.
"I love making them and it makes me happy."
Mele said handicraft was not only about making baskets, bags or fancy necklaces.
It is about having the passion to do something creative and unique.
For Mele, her handicraft work shows the hard work and dedication she put in to earn a decent living.
It is something she has never regretted.

Adapted from Fijitimes Online

MEET DAYA WATI OF LEVUKA, OVALAU, LOMAIVITI

2008-05-04T07:32:00.002+12:00

THE backbone of the Red Cross movement the world over is its volunteers - close to 100 million men and women in 191 countries working for 186 national societies.
They're engaged in a labour of love to make sure fellow citizens who need their help receive it.
The Fiji Red Cross is no different. It has 15 branches nationwide with about 300 active volunteers.
The volunteers are driven only by their desire to make the lives of those they serve, a little better with each visit.
They're paid travelling expenses and a small allowance for their effort.
Each volunteer is trained in a chosen area.
In the West, 62-year-old retired Lautoka Hospital ward assistant, Hazra Khan, decided that staying home to watch the grass grow was not for her.
So in February this year, she signed on as a volunteer with the Lautoka branch,
Hazra not only ensures the day starts off on a clean note, but she's also taken on community visits with trained health and welfare volunteers as an observer.
"She's like a mother to the volunteers and whenever there is a need, she is always available - and when she's asked to do something, she does it with a warm smile," says branch president, Ganpati. In Levuka, 42 year-old Daya Wati is the heart and soul of the Levuka branch.
The former Suva resident moved to the old capital after she married a resident on the island.
Her boat trip to Levuka just so happened to coincide with the day of the 1987 coup, a point that is not lost on her as she recounts how she has over the years grown to love her adopted home.
Daya has been a volunteer with Levuka branch since the late 1990's but before she became a volunteer, she was a beneficiary - well, not her directly but her children.
Her two sons - Rajeev and Rajesh - were born with cataracts.
Cataracts form when the protein in the lens clump together, - this produces a 'clouding' or frosted affect.
"My oldest son Rajeev went to school when it was time but when he went into Class Two, the teachers told me to put him into Nora Frasier's school because he wasn't coping," Daya said.
People from Levuka will remember the late Nora Frasier, a Canadian woman who set up a school on the island for children with special needs.
Nora was also a vibrant and tireless Health and Welfare volunteer with Red Cross Levuka branch. Her contact with the community saw her help hundreds of children with differing needs.
"When I took him to Mrs. Frasier, she assessed him and my younger son Rajesh who also had cataracts," Daya said.
"Mrs. Frasier made arrangements for Rajeev to have his cataracts operated on. Three months later Rajesh also had an operation and since then I have committed myself as a volunteer for Red Cross."
Rajeev is now an active 17 year-old back in mainstream school working towards completing his secondary education. Rajesh is 14 years-old and still attending the Nora Frasier School.
"My children would not have had the benefit of sight if it wasn't for Nora Frasier and the Red Cross," Daya said.
"I dedicate all my free time helping out where ever I can at the branch because I feel I have to give something back."
Hazra and Daya are but two of many Red Cross volunteers who work to make a difference in the lives of the most vulnerable.Become a volunteer with Red Cross, download a volunteer form at www.redcross.com.fj http://www.redcross.com.fj> or contact your nearest Red Cross

Adapted from Fijitimes Online

MEET AVIKALI BETE OF NUKUTOCIA, OVALAU, LOMAIVITI

2008-05-04T07:25:00.002+12:00

THERE is no other way to reach the top than through hard work. That is one of the most important lessons Avikali Bete has learned.
Being a senior supervisor at Eagle Cleaning Services Limited in Suva, is a position Avikali never thought she would attain.
In fact, she never thought a cleaning lady's lot would mean much of a life.
Born and bred in the old capital, Avikali was adopted by an Indian father and part-Solomon Islands mother. Her adopted parents were David and Siteri Bechu and she grew up on a farm at Nukutocia Village on Ovalau.
"I was adopted when I was four days old but I did not know until I was 18.
"I did not really think about it until I was in primary school when I started to question why I was different because my father was Indian and my mother part-Solomon," Avikali said.
Her brothers and sister were much older than her when she started school. Out of school, there was farm work.
"I used to fetch water from the well before school. There were times when I was responsible for taking the cows out for grazing or milking. It was a hard life."
Her father was a bus driver and only breadwinner while her mother was a housewife but while times were tough, food was never a problem.
Avikali said her parents worked hard to provide them with an education. She attended Marist Convent Primary School in Levuka with lawyer Imrana Jalal.
"During our time in primary school, we had to be neat and much disciplined. I used to go to school with flip flops.
"Sometimes I had one exercise book for three subjects. I wanted to be a lawyer because I found their work very interesting and challenging.
"I was called Ivy Bechu in primary school. I continued my education at St John's College in Cawaci. At that time there was no Form Six so we had to sit Form Five twice.
"There was upper and lower Fifth, unfortunately, I was not able to complete my studies because my parents could not afford my fees. I really wanted to continue with my education but it was very unfortunate."
She said it was on her 18th birthday party that she was introduced to her biological parents who she called aunty and uncle. Avikali then came to Suva to live with her sister before getting married.
Unfortunately, she divorced and with three children to support, Avikali knew she had to do something to support them.
Her first job was as a cashier at the Lilac Theatre before moving to the Phoenix. She then worked at Desai Bookshop and as a stock officer at Tiko's Floating Restaurant.
"It was all new for me and I took every opportunity I got because I had three children to support. It was a big challenge being a single mother but I knew I could do it.
"I then worked at the Golden Dragon for eight years as a cleaner and cashier. Then I left for a job at the Central Queensland University as a cleaner for 32 toilets. It was hard. I didn't think I would last but I ended up cleaning there for about nine years.
"It was a hard life but I was used to it because I was brought up on a farm.
"I was never embarrassed of what I was doing because at the end of the day I was helping my children with their education.
"From there, I was reassigned to clean at the University of the South Pacific. This time, I was cleaning offices and labs at USP.
"After that, I spent eight months working as a waitress at Downtown Boulevard. For me, being a waitress was a step up from a cleaner and I was very happy."
Not long after, she was promoted to senior supervisor of the cleaning company on Rewa Street. Avikali said her job involves making sure the cleaners have the right cleaning chemicals and are efficient and hard working. She said despite the troubles in her life, she never quits. She said she was proud of where she reached today because she knows her hard work has been recognised.
"My advice to people is that no matter what job you do, if you work hard, you will reap the benefits. I started as a cleaner for a long time and never complained about my job even though I used to earn $32 a week.
"I was always grateful for what I had and what I was given. It is something people should remember.
"In the cleaning industry, working wholeheartedly, being trustworthy and punctual are the keys to success," she said.

Adapted from Fijitimes Online

MEET BERTH ZAU, FROM THE PHILIPPINES

2008-04-26T18:20:00.001+12:00

SHE started her business with only one jewellery shop but now she is one of the main suppliers of crystals in the country.
Berth Zau, 42, who is known for her crystal jewellery, sells her wares from a cart at the capital's largest mall, Morris Hedstrom City Centre.
Ms Zau, who is originally from the Philippines, came to Fiji in 1994 and opened a wine and dine restaurant named the Great Wok of China in Flagstaff.
She said the thought of venturing into the jewellery business eventuated as fashion started to pick up the pace in Fiji.
"I wanted to do something which will attract teenagers and people of all ages. This was the best option," Ms Zau said.
She opened her first crystal jewellery shop in the capital in 2006 at the Victoria Parade Arcade opposite MacDonald's.
"When we first started marketing it was a challenge.
"It was hard to explain to people what real crystal jewellery was all about," she said.
"I had to go door to door, office to office, explaining to people about crystal jewellery.
Her shop, named Kristal Filipina, has a variety of designs and a unique collection of jewellery including 10-carat gold bracelets and earrings.
She said she also distributed jewellery to shops in Lautoka, Sigatoka, Ba and Labasa.
Ms Zau imports crystal jewellery from the Philippines.
She said crystals in the Philippines were imported from Austria.
Ms Zau plans to have a big shop selling only crystal jewellery.

Adapted from Fijitimes Online

MEET MERE ZINC OF WAILEKUTU, LAMI

2008-04-26T18:17:00.001+12:00

WHILE facing a lot of difficulties coping with the increases in the price of basic food items, Mere Zinck has not lost any hope at all.
The 28-year-old housewife and mother started in the catering business this year because her husband was not employed.
Mrs Zinck, from Wailekutu in Lami, operates her small food catering operation from their home.
She said she looked forward to major sporting events which provided her and other food vendors the chance to earn a few bucks from the people going to watch the games.
Yesterday, she was selling by the roadside near the National Stadium where the two-day Coca-Cola Light Games was being held.
Mrs Zinck said she started by selling door to door in offices when she started getting contracts from corporate houses for catering orders.
"I do catering for small businesses."
Her sells lovo, fried chicken.
Yesterday she was selling fried chicken with dalo and sandwiches.
She started her catering business when her husband had to leave his work at the bank job because of sickness.
"This is the daily source of income for my family."
Mrs Zinck, who has two children, said returns from food selling were enough for the survival of the family.
She said when she started it was difficult as she had never worked before.
But now, she said she was used to it and could maintain the working and family life.
Mrs Zinck said her future plan was to expand the business.
She said she had to do it and has found the knack of doing business.
She finds it challenging but then, it's life, and she looks at it that way.

Adapted from Fijitimes Online

MEET KENESI MUA, OF NAMARA, SANIMA, KADAVU

2008-04-25T02:39:00.002+12:00

Kenesi Mua (pictured) has grabbed every opportunity that has come her way to live a better life despite starting off as a concession worker for the Fiji Sports Council. The 40-year-old ticketing and purchasing officer for the council's Finance Department is an inspiration. Growing up in Tovata, Kalabu, Kenesi is an only child of a single mother. It is never easy being a single parent but for Kenesi, the hard work and perseverance of her mother Sereseini Roko gave her the strength to make the most of life.
Originally from Namara, Sanima in Kadavu, Kenesi has a lot of childhood memories about following her mother to work and wanting to be a policewoman because of her passion for helping others. Her mother worked as a house girl for a Mr Whiteside and later was employed in a garment factory.
"I was born and bred in Suva. My single mother did odd jobs to support the family. Being an only child was a bit easy. Life growing up was fairly simple and normal. We did not face any difficulties because it was just my mother and I. She worked very hard to provide me with a decent life and even to provide me with a good education.
"When I was younger, I wanted to be a policewoman. I was inspired by my mother's hard work that I wanted to help others in need. Being in the police force was something I wanted to become right up until high school. The thought of being able to make a difference in some-one else's life was something I found rewarding and enjoyable. I also wanted to see justice served to those treated unfairly." She attended primary school at Kalabu Fijian before continuing her secondary education at Sila Central in Nausori in 1983. Like many other teens her age back then, Kenesi was always full of life. She reached Form Five before leaving for Dean's Computer school. Shortly after, she became a single parent herself. Through her experience growing up, Kenesi took on the challenge of being a young single parent.
"I became a single mother at a young age. I had the support of my mother though because she went through the same thing I did. I never regretted it because I saw my son as a blessing and a gift from God. From then on I set my sights on providing him with a good life. I had to do something to support my family and I was never embarrassed about anything I did.
"I went to the Ministry of Youth and Sports to ask for help in finding employment. Fortunately for me, I was given the opportunity to attend typing and computer training at Parliament House. After I finished my training there, I was able to work as a receptionist at the Outrigger Hotel along Waimanu Road in Suva. I was happy with the job I had because I knew I was doing something productive and I was earning a living to support my son and my family."
Kenesi worked as a receptionist for two years before securing the position of a cashier with FoodWorks Fiji in Nadi. She said her job in Nadi was exciting because the company she worked for travelled to outer islands for business. Kenesi then returned to Suva and in 2001 she was employed as a concession worker for the Fiji Sports Council.
"In 1999, I got married and I had two more children, a daughter and another son. Two years later I worked as a teller at the gate of the National Stadium. In 2005, I started working in the canteen and the next year I worked at the Vodafone Arena during the South Pacific Games. As a casual worker, you only get called for work whenever there was an event or something happening.
"I was then asked to help with ticketing and purchasing in 2007. I started learning how things were done. I was fortunate to have been given the opportunity to broaden my horizon and to learn how to do something I never thought I would end up doing. Office work was something I never had in mind but it is something I am grateful for."
Kenesi said she never lost hope as a young teenage mother because she knew hard work and determination would pay off eventually. She said if it was not for the opportunity given by the new management of the sports council, she would still be working as a concession worker.
"I am very grateful to the new management for giving me the opportunity to learn the job. I did not think I would end up here but I did. I am also very grateful to Selwyn Williams, Jaswant Kumar, Ranil Kumar and Vasemaca Drova for having faith and confidence in my abilities. The only advice I have is that life does not end when you have a baby at a young age. In fact, it is only the beginning of a life time of opportunities. Hard work and faith in oneself are the key to living a happy life. You can only achieve success if you work hard and have the passion to make something better out of life," she said.

Adapted from Fijitimes Online

MEET JANE RATU, OF NANUKULOA, RA

2008-04-22T23:04:00.002+12:00

SECONDARY school athletes are gearing up for the Coca-Cola Light Games at the National Stadium.
Some have tasted success while others are still working their way to fame.
Jane Ratu has athletics is in her blood. She is the administration officer for the Fiji Amateur Athletics Association.
Born on September 9, 1959, Jane is from Nanukuloa in the province of Ra.
The eldest of six children, her parents were Luke Snow and Asena Bakani.
Her late father was a policeman and her mother is a retired nurse.
Like many others, Jane was brought up by her maternal grandparents. Her recollection of her childhood memories is full of sports and athletics.
"I used to play netball in primary school and it was only when I attended Form Four in Tonga that I concentrated on athletics," Jane said.
"When I was young, I wanted to become an athlete. I had the passion for it and it was something I liked doing.
"I had a fairly simple upbringing. My parents worked hard to provide us with a good life.
"I was brought up by my grandparents at Nausori. I was always interested in sports, especially athletics.
"It was something I wanted to do when I was young. I was so attached to my grandparents that everytime I went home to my parents I would miss them. I would always want to go back to them. I love them very much."
Jane attended Nausori District School before heading to the West to attend Lautoka Muslim Secondary School. Her father was stationed in Lautoka. In 1976, she left for school in Tonga.
"We were Latter-Day Saints and at that time there were no LDS school in Fiji. So children of LDS members were sent to Tonga for secondary school.
"I attended Liahona High School in Nuku'alofa from 1976 to 1979. I did not have a lot of difficulties growing up but I did learn a lot about being independent.
"When I went to boarding school, I got used to it and being raised by my grandparents, I was used to living without my parents. I was taught to live on my own and to be independent.
"My grandparents taught me a lot. I used to take part in sports when I was in primary school, mostly netball."
She used to run in the 100m, hurdles, 200m and relays.
Jane said her ability earned her the respect of her fellow athletes especially when she was always a step ahead of the rest.
"I was in Form Four and used to outrun the rest of the girls.
"It was something I felt good about because I knew I couldn't have accomplished that if I didn't train hard or commit myself.
"My personal coach that time was Mosese Neata, a Tongan and school teacher. There was another trainer who used to help out whenever Mosese was out.
"His name was Clarence Uyema from Japan. At that time, I was one of the best in athletics.
"For me personally, the feeling of knowing that I was able to outrun the Tongan girls was fulfilling, not only because I knew I was good in the sport but also because I was Fijian.
"I still keep in touch with friends from high school and they tell me my picture is still in the school library.
"My friends said that the principal said no one has ever beaten Fijian athletes in the school."
After completing high school, Jane was given the opportunity to further her education in the United States of America.
She took up dental studies and participated in an indoor dental training and her commitment to athletics dropped and it is something she regrets.
Jane returned to Fiji at the end of 1981 and worked at the Western Regional Library for a year and a half before deciding to look after her ailing grandmother.
"I looked after my grandmother until she died.
"It was a sad time in my life. I am now married and my husband is in the army.
"We have four children and they have my athletics genes. I used to be trainer for Sila Central and organise their inter-house competition. I regret not continuing with athletics when I went to the US but glad I was able to share my knowledge of athletics to upcoming runners.
"There is a lot of talent and potential in Fiji especially the athletes preparing for the Coca-Cola Games. The passion for athletics was always in me.
"It is something I live for and I share the passion with my children. I used to officiate at the Games."
In 2003, she was assistant manager to Joe Rodan for athletes to the South Pacific Games in Suva.
She was then asked to work for the association but prefers to be in the field working with athletes and helping them improve and achieve their dreams.
She said not being able to continue with athletics professionally did not stop her from helping others excel in athletics.
Bound by her passion and dedication to the sport, Jane's advice to students participating in the Coca-Cola Games this year is: "Don't let it end after the Coke Games. Continue to persevere in the sport.
"There is no limit to your achievement and nothing is impossible.
"If you want to explore the world, work hard."

Adapted from Fijitimes Online

MEET VASITI MATANAWA,CHEF OF TRIBE WANTED

2008-04-22T22:59:00.003+12:00

,
SINCE the Tribe Wanted group started on Vorovoro Island two years ago, Vasiti Matanawa has been the woman behind the preparation of the tasty and delicious food — as the members put it.
Starting off as a volunteer at the group's camp has paid off as Vasiti now earns good money.
"I started off as a volunteer when I came to the island for a holiday with my grandchildren as my daughter's husband is from Vorovoro Village," she said.
"And during that time, my daughter and her in-laws had to go to Labasa for a church gathering and they asked me to come and look after the members of Tribe Wanted and cook their food," Mrs Matanawa said.
Without hesitation, she joined the group and started as their chef.
"I was a volunteer then and cooked for the group starting off with basic Fijian dishes which most of them enjoyed and loved.
"I enjoyed my job so much because I had to tell them what every root crop was and the different kinds of vegetables that I cook for them and amazingly, their favourite vegetable was rourou," Mrs Matanawa said.
She said the visitors who travelled from all parts of the world enjoyed fish miti.
"Almost every time they will ask me to cook fish miti and dalo or cassava and they will finish it because it is their favourite.
"For breakfast, I had to make buns and topoi and babakau and pancake as it was their favourite breakfast meals," Mrs Matanawa said.
Being a retired school teacher, mingling with the young members has not been a difficult task to achieve.
"They are nice people and very easy to get on with and to teach our Fijian culture.
"Iam happy that I have been part of their lives since they arrived on the island," Mrs Matanawa said.
A retired primary school headteacher, Mrs Matanawa has not regretted taking up the post as a volunteer.
"I started off as a volunteer chef and they paid me later.
"I have enjoyed my job since then and I like explaining to them the different kinds of Fijian food.
"I plan to stay here with them for as long as they want me to because I have enjoyed every minute with them," Mrs Matanawa said.
The Tribe Wanted project started in September 2006 after a group of visiting students from England approached villagers to lease part of their island so they could live the rustic life while learning the Fijian culture and language.

Adapted from Fijitimes Online

MEET BHANMATI GOVIND OF CAINES JANNIF,SUVA

2008-04-20T12:30:00.002+12:00

PEOPLE who go to Caines Jannif to have their film developed or picture framed will place their orders with Bhanmati Govind.
They will think she is just a customer service staff while many know her as the woman with the nice personality at the popular photoshop on Victoria Parade.
But, Bhan, as she is known to her colleagues, is more than that. She has been working at Caines for 48 years and is the company's longest serving employee.
Born and bred in Flagstaff, Suva, Bhan has lived a life of struggle and knows how it feels to bear the fruits of one's labour.
Her parents, Latchman and Etwari Singh struggled to provide them a decent upbringing.
Growing up in Flagstaff was tough. Her father was a waiter at the Grand Pacific Hotel but her mother was a housewife.
Third in the family, Bhan never thought of what she wanted to be.
In fact, she took life a step at a time. Coming from a big family, Bhan always wanted to help the family. She was lucky to go to school on her father's small income.
"I have four sisters and a brother. Life was hard for us because my father was the only breadwinner but our parents made sure we had a roof over our heads and food on the table. Back then, things were cheap and my parents were able to support us.
"We helped each other a lot with whatever difficulties we faced. I never thought I would be working here at Caines Jannif."
Bhan went to Vatuwaqa Government Girls School, now Vatuwaqa Primary School, up to Class Eight but had to leave school to look for work.
She was only 13 when she started work and under the guidance of the late Ben Jannif, she learnt more than what she expected.
"I never found another job. I started working in sales and enjoyed it.
"I was taught a lot of things like how to be a cashier and how to work with clients and customers. It was something I never thought I would do but I am glad I was given the opportunity.
"In those days, Indian women were not allowed to work. They were responsible for looking after the family and do the work in the house but it did not apply to me because I wanted to help my family and I always thank Mr Jannif for giving me the opportunity to broaden my horizon."
Bhan's normal working day starts with taking orders from customers who want their pictures framed.
Working in sales helped her improve her personal and professional life. She became a more confident and persevering mother, wife and sales representative.
"I have made a lot of friends and am fortunate I have been working here for more than 40 years. I am married to Bal Govind and we live in Nasinu.
"I have two sons and we live a good life. I am glad my sons don't have to go through the hardship I went through when I was young.
"I don't regret finding employment at a young age but at that time I couldn't help it.
"If I had to give an advice, I would say education is very important in life."

Adapted from Fijitimes Online

MEET AKUILA REWATABUA OF RUKURUKU, OVALAU, LOMAIVITI

2008-04-20T02:09:00.002+12:00

IMAGINE closing your eyes for an hour while doing your work. It is not that easy but for the past 43 years, Akuila Rewatabua has lived a life where the sense of sight is not a privilege.
Born in 1963, Akuila has been blind since birth. Originally from Rukuruku Village on Ovalau, his parents were subsistence farmers. His parents are Petero and Lavenia Rewatabua. He is also the first cousin of rugby star Marika Vunibaka.
Being an only child and only blind boy in the village, Akuila found life hard at first especially having to depend on others around him to get through life. However, Akuila has always felt he would have to live his own life in the future. The interesting thing about Akuila is that his blindness is something he draws strength from and he strives to continue to excel in life no matter the obstacles he faces.
"I'm quite fortunate though, being an only child, my parents were never embarrassed about me. They were not frightened or ashamed to expose my disability. Instead, they tried to give me a normal upbringing like any other able bodied person.
"Not being able to see is different. There were times when I felt insecure about doing things and I had to depend on others to help me get through the day. It was hard at first but I realised that with confidence I am able to live my own life and achieve whatever I want."
Akuila said not being able to see did not stop him from wanting to achieve his dream of being a teacher. He started Class One at the Fiji School for the Blind when he was nine years old. He said Frank Hilton who founded Hilton Special School, went to Ovalau for a visit to identify children with disabilities. He was brought to Suva and stayed at the Tamavua Rehabilitation Unit.
"The first time I entered the classroom, I heard the superior voice of the teacher. I knew then I wanted to be a teacher. When I first came from the island, I didn't know how to speak the Bauan dialect. I didn't know how to speak English well.
"Going to school with other children was all new for me and I felt like I was in a different world altogether.
"I stayed at the Tamavua rehabilitation unit for two years until the Society for the Blind rented a house. I remember the head teacher at the time was Mr Khalil.
"When we were at school, we were not exposed to mainstream education. We were sort of isolated. I continued with the school curriculum and eventually I managed to complete up to Form Four level. I didn't want to waste time. I wanted to move on and face life."
His life was always full of challenges. Akuila said listening to his classmates speak in English and Hindi made him want to learn more about the world and people around him. He completed Form Four in 1978 and joined the Peace Corps as an interpreter for an evaluation project on old people. A multi-talented individual, Akuila was able to interpret Hindi and Fijian into English.
"The experience was an eye-opener and there were a lot of challenges but I took each challenge as it came and carried on with life despite being blind. I then worked as a switchboard operator for Stinson Pearce Limited from 1982 to 1985. I enjoyed what I did and learnt a lot there.
"I was then given the opportunity to further my education at the University of the South Pacific. I studied for a Bachelor of Arts in Literature and Language. The owner of Stinson Pearce Limited, Peter Stinson, sponsored me. I have three more units until I graduate."
In 1988, Akuila achieved his dream of becoming a teacher. He defied all odds and taught Fijian and music at Naitasiri Secondary School. He then moved to Saint Thomas and Sigatoka Methodist.
He said being a teacher was difficult at first. It took time for the students to regard him as one of the able bodied teachers and he felt happy and glad that despite being blind he was able to achieve his goal. In 2003, he was in charge of fundraising for the United Blind Persons of Fiji where he later became the project officer three weeks ago. He is now the president for the Fiji Disabled People's Association.
"Life begins with you and ends with you. How you want your life to turn out depends on you. Having a disability is not the end of the world and it is not something to be ashamed of.
"Being blind made me grow into a more confident and responsible person. I earned the respect of many people and even in my village, they treat me as someone who has achieved a lot and I am proud of the things I accomplished in life," he said.
ADAPTED FROM FIJITIMES ONLINE

MEET ANARE JALE OF ONO-I-LAU

2008-04-20T01:52:00.004+12:00

The road to success was never easy for Anare Jale. Fishing, farming and collecting coconuts on the island of Ono-i-Lau were the push factors that made him even more determined to make something better of his life.
Not only did he survive village life, he was blessed to excel academically despite the hardships his family faced.
As far as he can remember, his father was always proud of him when it came to his education.
In 1956, he attended Onolevu District School. Naturally intelligent, where Anare was always placed first or second in class.
"In Ono-i-Lau, there are four villages and the primary school was located in our village. During that time, school children from the other villages on the other outer islands had to travel to school by boat," he said.
"At times their boats would get caught in the bad weather. It was very dangerous so another school was built in another village.
"The struggles I faced in life made me want to be successful. I was determined to be successful. I always excelled at school right from primary school. It was either I came first or second in class. Whatever my position, my father was always proud"
In his final year at primary school, his class performed a drama.
He said they were all given roles to play and coincidentally his teacher picked him to be the turaga ni koro.
It was this special title in the drama that made him want to help develop his village. He said despite having that pretend title, he somewhat felt it was his responsibility to help his people and the village.
He then moved to Viti Levu for the first time to attend Ratu Kadavulevu School as a boarder.
Like all boarding schools, life is never easy. Luckily for Anare, his nurtured survival skills from the village came in handy. However, when he started school at RKS, he was only able to speak Ono.
"I spoke fluent Ono and I was given the name 'vakavanua'. The things my father taught me back in the village got me through boarding school.
"Life was tough though especially in an all-boys school. The older big boys used to bully a lot. My father taught me to stand up and fight. So that's what I did. I fought and stood up for those who were bullied at school.
"One thing I dislike is seeing people being mistreated. So at school, I used to be the protector because I used to stand and fight the bullies.
"On a particular occasion, I almost lost the opportunity to succeed when I wanted to run away from school after a severe beating from a teacher."
He and his best friend, who was his best man at his wedding to Emele Duituturaga last week, were fooling around without realising their teacher was watching them.
His teacher then got a four-by-two piece of wood lying near the school's wooden boiler and used it to as a discipline tool.
"After that beating, I couldn't walk. Early in the morning, I was in pain and I decided to run away from school. I thought to myself that if my parents did not do this to me, then I might as well go home to them.
"I was in Form Four at the time. I started planning what to do. That night I slept with my shirt and khaki shorts.
"At three o' clock in the morning, I left school with a cane knife. The roads that time were very bad and I had to walk from there to Korovou. It was still dark that morning.
"I saw the Lodoni bus and I knew the trend with paying bus fare. People trusted each other and some would enter the bus and pay when they got off.
"So I walked in the bus trying very hard to pretend to have money to go to Suva.
"When I reached Nausori, I got off and hid in the washroom. I then walked to Tovata, in Laqere, where my father was."
Surprised to see him, his father knew instantly something was wrong.
After massaging his back to ease the pain, his father then encouraged him to go back to school.
His other option was to go back to the village and cut copra. He weighed his options and decided to give his education another go.
Completing Form Three to Five at RKS, he then moved on to complete Form Six at Suva Grammar School. "Apart from my academic performance, I excelled at sports especially rugby. I was a member of the Fiji Secondary Schools rugby team in 1969. We played in Tonga and I was a winger," he said.
He went on to graduate from Victoria University, in Wellington, New Zealand with a Diploma in Industrial Relations. He obtained a Certificate in Industrial Relations and Manpower Panning from the External Division of Oxford University in the United Kingdom.
Since then, he has slowly climbed up the ladder to success, starting as a labour inspector with the Ministry of Labour in 1970 and in 1991, he was promoted to chief labour officer where he was ultimately second in charge of the ministry.
He was responsible for the day to day operations of the ministry.
Anare was responsible for providing technical advice to the Permanent Secretary and the minister on issues relating to labour laws, trade disputes, trade unions and International Labour Organisation conventions and articles.
He held that rank until 1995.
"I was appointed Registrar of Trade Unions, he said.
"I was responsible for the administration of the Trade Union Act and Industrial Association Act.
"I was instrumental in the drafting and enactment of the Health and Safety Act. From 1995 to 1996, I was then the deputy secretary for regional development.
"I was responsible to the Permanent Secretary for the day to day operation of the ministry.
"Divisional commissioners reported on the operations of the divisional offices.
"There were times when I would preside over monthly meetings held with senior ministry officials and divisional commissioners."
His thesis for his Diploma in Industrial Relations from Victoria University titled Third Party Interventions in Trade Disputes in Fiji formed the basis of the Trade Disputes Act.
In 1997, he moved up a notch to become Permanent Secretary for Labour and Industrial Relations.
During that time, he was Fiji's director for the Asian Productivity Organisation responsible for the promotion and productivity in the Pacific and Asian countries.
"From 1999 to November 2000, I was the Secretary for the Public Service.
"I was the secretary for the commission.
"That meant I was responsible for all staff matters for the department.
"Being the chief accounting officer as well, I was responsible to the Ministry of Finance on the department's budget.
"In November 2001 to February 2004, I was appointed Fiji's ambassador to the United States of America and Mexico.
"I represented Fiji in meetings with other countries in the world to discuss diplomatic relationship, bilateral and multilateral relationships as well.
"I was even fortunate to meet one of the most powerful men in the world, the President of the US George Bush.
"He is a very polite and lovely person. My brief encounter with him was when I presented credentials. "He is very gentle and very down to earth."
He played an important role in the reintroduction of the US Peace Corps in Fiji after its withdrawal.
As ambassador, he was expected to explore trade and tourism opportunities for Fiji, including meeting with interested investors.
He even organised the first-ever joint Fiji Day celebration for Fiji nationals living in the US and Hawaii.
In 2004, he was chairman of the Fiji National Provident Fund and was responsible for implementing investment and risk policies.
Under his chairmanship, a community service fund donating funds and providing help to charity organisations was set up.
From March 2004 to January 2007, he was chief executive officer of the Public Service Commission.
Now retired, he has continued his involvement in community work.
He is advisor to the Ono-i-Lau Tikina Women's Group, director of Yatulau Company Limited as well as chairman of the Ono-i-Lau Development Committee.
"I feel I have an obligation to my people.
"I was born on the island and I have experienced the kind of hardship the people face.
"I want to help get them out of poverty and this is something I like doing.
"I have never regretted anything in life.
"I work with women's group because women play a vitally important role in development.
"They are the best managers. So far we have installed a solar pump and a saw mill," said Mr Jale.
Development plans are under way to rejuvenate the sandalwood industry, with marketing potential on the islands in Ono.

10 Things about Anare Jale:

Loves soup;
- favourite drink is bu;
- likes gardening and cricket;
- an ardent reader;
- a prompt person — strict on timing;
- a man of few words, prefers to work than talk;
- Lkes soothing island music, dislikes English songs;
- used to be a preacher;
- former member of the Fiji Medical School;
- former chairman and member of Fiji National Training Council (TPAF)

Adapted from Fijitimes Online 20/04/2008

MEET SEREANA COKANASIGA OF NADURI, MACUATA

2008-04-16T23:48:00.002+12:00

Working with communities is something Sereana Cokanasiga has a heart for. She is originally from Naduri Village in Macuata province. Sereana is also the Program Support Manager for the Foundation of the People of the South Pacific.
Her late parents were Ratu Emosi and Adi Mele Vuakatagane. Born in Suva, Sereana grew up with her maternal grandparents in Lomaloma, Lau, until she was five years old. Her father was an administrator while her mother worked for Home Finance in the late 1960s.
Like most Pacific Islanders, Sereana grew up in an extended family. Third in a family of five children, she was always passionate about helping different communities especially her own Macuata community.
For Sereana, growing up was a mix of urban and rural life. Experiencing all the hustle and bustle of city life, her family owned a poultry farm in Waila.
"I grew up with my maternal grandparents until I was five-years-old and came to Suva after that to start primary school. I grew up in an extended family and my father was an administrator. He was into community development. He was responsible for the construction of the Macuata House during his time as chairman of the Macuata Provincial Council.
"I think I have continued part of what he has started and that is helping in community development especially for our province. My parents bought a poultry farm in Waila and we lived there. Life was fairly simple for us and the one thing my parents made sure of was that we never starved. They always worked at providing us with the best possible upbringing"
She attended Nabua Fijian Primary School and completed her primary education at Suva Primary school. She then went on to continue her secondary education at Suva Grammar School. She said her childhood memories of life on the poultry farm were unforgettable. She used to help out with the collection of eggs to sell at the market. This was something she was never embarrassed about.
"I remember when we used to sell eggs at the market just to earn a little more extra cash. I remember collecting eggs, grading them and then delivering them to different supermarkets or shops. I did not mind. This was something I did with my other siblings when we were younger and this helped a lot with our family.
"After secondary school, I went straight into the work field. I started working for different companies. I was employed as a receptionist and I worked hard at whatever I did. I was later involved in different company projects and administration."
In between working life, Sereana decided to further her studies. Despite the pressure from work and school, she graduated from Central Queensland University in 2000 with an MBA in Human Resource Management. From 1995 to 2006, she was employed as the Human Resources and Administration Manager for World Wildlife Fund. She joined the FSPI in 2006 and has never looked back. She said her role has been challenging but with determination, commitment and dedication she has overcome all obstacles.
"My role as program support manager is very challenging. I am responsible for development management and monitoring of structures, policies and protocols that help FSPI work efficiently and effectively. Basically, our regional non-government organisation focuses on community development where we try to foster self-reliance and sustainable community development.
"The passion for working with communities was already there. However, working with NGOs somehow reaffirmed the need to work in communities although I do more support and administration work. Working with communities is very fulfilling and satisfying. I feel very happy and proud do be able to contribute to the development of my own community and other communities that I have worked with through FSPI."
Sereana said she wanted to be an administrator when she was younger. Although she did not initially plan to follow in her father's footsteps, the thought alone of knowing she contributed to something positive has made her proud of the work her father did. She is married to Filipe Cokanasiga from Deuba and has three children.
Apart from her administrative and management position, Sereana is also part of the Macuata Soqosoqo ni Marama. She said her volunteer work with the women's group has been rewarding. Despite juggling her time with family, work and volunteer commitments, Sereana said the secret to her success is hard work and a good education. "Education is very important," she says.

Adapted from Fijitimes Online

MEET ABBY HVITFELT OF YORK, PENNSYLVANIA

2008-04-14T18:52:00.003+12:00

Many people would not remember an article on Abby Hvitfelt three years ago. The 89-year-old from York, Pennsylvania in the United States of America has been in Fiji for over 22 years. During that time she spent 20 years stuffing toy animals and dolls for children at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital's Children's Ward.
Her passion for putting smiles on the faces of tiny tots is somewhat inspirational.
She has been a role model for many volunteers in the country because she has spent endless days and nights shaping the animals and dolls, sewing, stuffing and finally adding colour and facial expressions to the toys.
All this for the sake of a child's happiness.
Her story about her journey to Fiji is quite pleasant and enjoyable.
Listening to her reminisce about how she got the idea to make stuffed toys for children at CWM makes one appreciate the value and contribution of volunteers in Fiji.
Her commitment and volunteer work was recognised in 1995 when she received the Order of Fiji for Service to the Community.
Abby as she is commonly called was born on March 12, 1919.
The youngest of three girls, her father was an electrician while her mother was a trade presbyterian deaconess.
From an early age, Abby wanted to be an explorer.
She wanted to explore Africa but when she found out her classmate had wanted to do the same thing, she discarded the idea almost instantly.
"I knew there simply was not enough room in Africa for the both of us. I didn't want to be a teacher so I opted for nursing. It was sort of my love affair with nursing.
"Growing up was middle-class. We lived through the depression and basically I had a very nice and happy upbringing.
"I never thought I would come to Fiji. In fact, the only time I ever heard about Fiji was when my mother used to say to us in the morning 'Your hair is like the bush in Fiji'.
"The school I attended was right across the street. It was McKinley Primary School and we had only grades
"One to Six. I later went on to attend Hannah Penn Junior High School and right opposite that I attended William Penn Senior High School.
"However, I lost my father when I was 16 years old."
After graduating from high school, Abby was not able to attend nursing school because she was not 18 years old. She was told that she was not 'emotionally mature' to enter. She then decided to do something while waiting to turn 18.
She worked as a cost accountant at an auto supply store where she worked a total of 48 hours a week.
Her second day job was dishing out ice-cream. Although exhausted at the end of the day, Abby did not mind.
"I then attended Union Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Baltimore, Maryland for three years.
"I kept telling myself 'you're here to serve'. I have never regretted becoming a nurse. The fact that someone needed you and you're able to help is very fulfilling and definitely satisfying.
"In 1940, I married Richard Fogle.
"He was a navy officer and a year after we married he was sent to Honolulu, Hawaii where he served there until the war was over.
"I had wanted to join the service but they did not take married women. I was frustrated.
"In 1942, my son Richard Romany Fogle was born.
"Afterwards, I continued with nursing but life then was very difficult and I had to hire someone to sleep in my flat to look after my son while I was at work.
"You do these things if you have to. Later, when my son was 10 years old, I divorced my husband and remarried Axel Hvifelt.
"He was a professor in Economics."
Having four children later on, Abby then stayed home for almost five years playing mother and wife.
But knowing Abby, she was always doing something if not with a church group, she would be with friends decorating or making all sorts of craftswork.
She then worked part-time and continued to pursue her education.
At the age of 53, she graduated with her Bachelor of Science degree from SUNY Delhi in New York (State University of New York). She then taught nursing at the university for 11 years.
"Teaching scared me to death.
"I got my Masters when I was 65-years-old and I retired when I was 66. I needed to make a clean slate. My husband had gone back to Finland and our marriage was on the rocks so I divorced him and joined the Peace Corps.
"They sent me here and I had never been to Fiji, let alone left my country. I knew this was a whole new adventure for me and I was excited about coming here.
"On July 1, 1986, I arrived in Fiji as a Peace Corps volunteer.
"I served as Sister Tutor at the Fiji School of Nursing teaching medical, surgical and pediatric nursing. My term expired on October 1, 1988, but I was asked to stay on by the US Embassy.
"I used to visit children at the CWM Children's Ward and it was distressing for me to find that none of the children had toys.
"Some of the children are scared to death about being in hospitals so I thought if they had something they could hug then maybe they would feel a bit better."
Since then, Abby has been making stuffed toys with the help of friends and volunteers from Japan International Cooperation Agency.
The mother of five has made almost 24,000 stuffed toys and each toy is given to every child at the hospital.
Leaving in nine days time because of her health, Abby said she will always have a special place in her heart for Fiji and especially the children she's met at the hospital.
The secret to her living long is staying happy.

THANK YOU ABBY FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE FOR FIJI. BON BOYAGE! FAREWELL!

Adapted from Fijitimes Online

MEET TUBUKA RAIKACI OF BUREBASAGA, REWA

2008-04-13T07:04:00.002+12:00

Tubuka Raikaci, who has been working at the Fiji Museum for 18 years believes success cannot be achieved without perseverence.
Mr Raikaci, 47, is originally from Burebasaga, Rewa and was brought up in his mother's village of Ravitaki in Kadavu. He attended Adi Maopa Government School for his primary school education before moving on to Lami High School.
He is married with five children. As a young boy he dreamt of either becoming an engineer or a sailor when he grew up, something he wasn't able to do.
Mr Raikaci started working at the museum when he was 30-years-old in 1990 where he worked as a cleaner and groundsman.
In 1997 he was given the opportunity to work as the conservator for artifacts at the museum. He said he coped with the added responsibility.
His responsibility was to look after the artifacts and objects preserved within the museum and he also looked after the laboratory where he does all his paper work and makes sure all objects are in good condition.
He said being a conservator was a really challenging job for him.
"My work is to make sure that all the artifacts that are preserved whether in storage or displayed are in good condition. I have to make sure that I handle them with care."
He also monitors and records other historical pieces that are brought to the museum. He said objects that are brought in to the museum are taken through certain tests and observation before approval is given for them to be displayed or kept there.
"I'm proud that I an doing something I wasn't taught at school. I feel experience has helped me in my work," he said.
"The main challenge in this line of work is to be creative in what you do. It is that creativity which keeps the tourists and people visiting the museum. It's all about how you preserve the artifacts well and how you are able to keep them in the same condition over a long period of time without any damage."
Through his years of working at the museum, he said there were times when he went through difficulties in life but he persevered.
"I have my ups and downs. What drives me every day is my family and the work that I'm doing," he said.
"No one is perfect. I believe all of us have problems that we go through in life. Everyone must go through struggles and difficult times to succeed in life." He said he enjoyed his work and that keeps him going every day. Travelling abroad, he says, helps him discover new ideas.
He makes sure to check the articrafts every day and fixes the ones that need to be fixed but this has to be recorded.
"This is like my home where I spend most of my time." Mr Raikaci believes if people have the heart to make an effort they will achieve what they want.
"We will also succeed in our work if we have patience and are faithful to what we do, because God is watching us.
"I feel blessed about what God has done for me in my work and for my family. I acknowledge Him in everything he has given me especially with the opportunity to have this job and I have to work hard for what he has provided me with."

VINAKA TUBUKA!

Adapted from Fijitimes Online

MEET GINA JIT

2008-04-12T15:58:00.002+12:00

GINA Jit believes you can do anything no matter what qualification you have if you have faith in yourself.
Many think that a good education and qualifications will get you a good job but Gina believes that it is not a matter of fact but how you can earn money from something you love doing.
The 30-year-old mother of +two children runs her jewellery business and caters for food.
Gina studied law for two years at the University of the South Pacific but could not continue her studies because her parents could not afford it.
"My dad is a retired mechanist and is a sickly person and my mom is just a normal housewife," Gina said.
"They don't get enough money to support our education."
Her dream of becoming a lawyer had to be shelved.
Gina said she understood her parents and came up with the idea of to start a business that would support her parents and family.
She started her business two years ago with $32 in her pocket.
Gina said from that small amount of money, her business was able to survive and she made a profit.
She followed the example of her grandfather who is a role model to her he started a business with three shillings and that, she said, was something which encouraged her to move on and pursue her business.
"I used to laugh and make fun when my grandfather used to tell me the story of how he started his business.
"But then I came to realise that if he could start his business with that small amount of money, I could do the same too.
"What made me start this business is that I believe not everyone can afford to buy expensive gold and pearl jewellery.
"At least, they can afford to buy the ones I make which have low prizes."
Gina said it was not a matter of being educated but what you could afford and how you could earn an income from what you love or enjoy doing.
She runs a food catering business and bakes cakes for birthdays, weddings and Christmas parties.
Along with the food business, Gina sells jewellery at cheap prices for the average people.
She earns $600 to $700 a week and the money goes toward supporting her parents, her family and helps her two younger sisters with their education.
She is also able to pay freight costs and duty for stuff which are imported from overseas for her business.
"I am going out of my way to provide a good education for my sisters.
"I want them to fulfil their dream with what career path they pursue.
"My advice to people is what talent you have, try and make something out of it in order for you to gain success.
"Just give it a try, you never know what you'll get.
"If you have your mind set on it then nothing is impossible for you to achieve."
Gina shows that a little faith can move mountains.

Adapted from Fijitimes Online

MEET KALYAN CHANDRA OF TAVUA

2008-04-09T21:10:00.001+12:00

A FORMER Fiji teacher, now living in Canada, has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to the teaching profession in Canada.
Tavua-born Kalyan Chandra was among three other retired teachers who received the award this year from the Canadian Government.
He received his teacher training at Nasinu Teachers College and served in Ba, Tavua and Rakiraki.
He was also the principal of All Saints Secondary School in Labasa before he moved to Canada.

CONGRATULATIONS MR CHANDRA FROM THE FIJITUWAWA TEAM!

Adapted from Fijitimes Online

MEET ZUBER ALI, OF SUVA

2008-04-09T21:00:00.001+12:00

Zuber Ali Azimullah (pictured) believes nothing is impossible if people obey their parents and believe in God.
Zuber, 21, who is the eldest in his family, has two sisters and one brother. He attended Suva Muslim Primary School before moving on to Suva Muslim College where he reached Form Three. He later spent one year doing vocational studies, before moving on to help his father in their family business.
Zuber said he left school because his father fell ill. He had to stay home and look after their cable business Maqs Cables.
"It was very hard for me to leave school at an early age especially when I saw my friends going to school but I had to do it for my dad and for the family," he said.
Zuber said his father didn't give him a choice to pursue another career because he wanted him to be part of the family business.
"When I was small, my dad used to tell me that I would have to work in our cable business which he started in 1991," he said.
He said even though he didn't like it at first, listening to his father's advice and respecting his instructions, he was able to see himself succeeding.
He never went through proper tertiary education but stayed home and learnt from his father and now he is running their family business, specialised in manufacturing, designing and repairing cables.
"I learnt from him. When I was in school, sometimes I couldn't do my homework. It was different in the workshop where I helped my father out. That's how I learnt this job."
He said the most important people in his business were his customers and he would try to meet their needs everyday.
"I make sure I provide them with what they want. I can do any kind of cable even if it's difficult, I would try and do it for my customers."
He believes God was always there for those who tried and would always be available for guidance and provision.
"All we have to do is to trust God and never give up hope," he said.
"As it happened to my dad and me, I'm sure good things can happen to anyone who believes in Him."
Zuber said he was able to overcome difficulties in life which allowed him to learn new things. He said he has never regretted following his father's advice and would continue to hold up the name of their family business.
Zuber advises young people to listen to their parents and serve God.
"There are only two things I would recommend for young people nowadays. Obey and listen to your parents and serve the Lord with a good heart. Without God we won't be successful and He is the only ally we can count on."

Adapted from Fijitimes Online

MEET ANA TUIWAI OF LOMATI, KABARA, LAU

2008-04-07T21:19:00.003+12:00

Ana Tuiwai is defying the odds by becoming a certified diver. The 27-year-old was born and bred in Lomati, Kabara, in Lau.
Third in a family of four children, Ana had wanted to become a deaconess.
Her parents Filimone Tuiwai and Joana Vakaturituiwai were farmers who worked hard to give their children an education.
For Ana, doing household chores and fishing every Saturday was the life. She never thought she would do something like scuba diving. Ana said unlike urban areas, money, or the lack of it, was hardly ever a problem in the village.
She said the village was full of life and providing food for the family never a problem.
"In the village, only the boys did diving. I used to help my mother out with chores," she admits.
"I even used to weave mats and help cook. I remember every Saturday I used to go fishing and I really enjoyed it.
"In the city if you don't have money, you can't buy food but in the village if there is no money, food is readily available either from the sea or from our plantations.
"I never thought of diving professionally because only the boys did that. For us girls, we were supposed to do normal things that girls did. I was a very spiritual person and I wanted to become a deaconess."
She attended Kabara District School and came to Suva for her secondary education, attending Form Three at Suva Sangam High School.
In 1995, she left school and went back to the village.
"I left school because I was not interested anymore. I stayed with my aunt when I was in Suva and went back to the village after Form Three. I feel life in the village is very easy.
"In 2004, Frances Areki from the World Wildlife Fund came to Kabara to do something on the vesi.
"That's when I first heard about WWF. The following year, Monifa Fiu from WWF came to the Kabara and wanted to me help with surveys on the reef and sea grass. She stayed with my family. So I agreed to help her.
"I learned a lot like the English names for different kinds of fish. I only knew the Fijian names. I learned how to do coral reef and seagrass surveys."
Later that year, she took part in a WWF-sponsored dive training at Dravuni, Kadavu.
She said her father was not too enthusiastic about it because he felt diving was too dangerous for her.
"Even my brother in England was not enthusiastic about it too. They told me diving was dangerous but I wanted to try it and I wanted to do something interesting. Later they supported me.
"The dive training at Dravuni was for a week and I was the only girl learning how to dive and conduct reef and seagrass surveys.
"After the training, I became a certified diver and I felt very happy because this was something done only by boys in the village.
"In 2006, I was the only WWF diver from Kabara. I later joined the Wildlife Conservation Society and worked on projects including dive training in Macuata, Kia and Macuata-i-wai."
Ana has become a WWF volunteer and helps in dive training for island youths.
She said she had always believed in her strengths and talents, something she will always be thankful for.
"I feel so proud and happy to be a dive volunteer with WWF because I have shown that not only men can dive.
"The diving skills I have learned are useful for finding employment in tourism.
"Whenever I am helping with a dive training session, I feel like one of them. The boys, I believe I had the eagerness and enthusiasm to succeed," she said.

Adapted from Fijitimes Online

MEET GAVIDI TURUVA, OF TAVUKI, KADAVU

2008-04-06T20:46:00.001+12:00

FOR Gavidi Turuva, giving children from broken homes another chance at life is a satisfaction she gets to go home with everyday.
In her view, all children are unique and precious gifts.
She feels today's community is missing out on many issues concerning children.
"We are missing out a lot on children's issues which we think is very small especially in the community," she said.
"It's every parent's duty to take care of their children."
The 50-year-old counsellor said sharing her experiences with children who come from such backgrounds "helps both sides find solutions that will work in the child's favour".
She started doing counselling by helping out in the community as a young girl growing up in Ba.
"I started in this career path because I love working with children," she said.
"I was brought up in a very big family. My interest in working with children goes back to when I was in school at Saint Theresa's, which at that time was run by the nuns in Ba. After completing primary education I went on to Xavier College before trying to find my footing in my career path.
"What really made me more determined to look after and care for these children is that I had been adopted myself. I am able to share my views and experiences with these children."
Gavidi hails from Tavuki, Kadavu, and has been married since 1979. She has three grown children whom she is very proud.
"I have been doing community work with the Soqosoqo Vakamarama for the past 10 years," she said.
She said the National Council of Women opened a counselling office but the military takeover of December 5, 2006, closed it.
In stepped the Soqosoqo Vakamarama Saunaka branch, which took over with the blessings of the Taukei Naua, Ratu Ponijese Lou.
"When I joined the National Council for Women, I underwent courses with the Fiji Nursing Association and with our counterparts from Australia known as Child-Wise from Victoria State in Australia.
"The course was from 2001 to 2005. The workshop focused on health issues and was one way we are trained to find out how we can combat crime, sexual abuse, HIV/AIDS and marriage breakdowns."
Gavidi said parents had to do their homework from the very beginning. She said it was an enormous task to educate children on what married life would be like and that she found the biggest abuse in the community was neglect.
"For many, it's as long as you can see a child walking we send them to the shop on errands.
"I believe if we all do our homework and pay more attention to our children, we will be crime-free, no diseases."

Adapted from Fijitimes Online

MEET ULAMILA BULAMAIBAU OF VANUASO, GAU, LOMAIVITI

2008-04-06T20:42:00.003+12:00

ULAMILA Bulamaibau believes success is all about taking the risk and wanting to experience life.
The former manager training for the Fiji Development Bank is the executive director of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Originally from Vanuaso on Gau, Ulamila joined SPCA this year. Her late father Ratu Kulanikoro Qicatabua Bulamaibau was a civil servant.
She said her mother Sesarina Elina did the most important work of being a wonderful mum. Born in Suva, Ulamila went to primary school in Suva but went to secondary school in Lautoka.
Being an only child, she learnt to be independent especially having to keep busy with favourite pastimes. She said apart from normal everyday life, she was able to withstand hardship.
"The only child in the house meant having to occupy oneself or amuse oneself with pastimes that one could do independent of anyone else.
"These included activities such as reading, drawing, colouring, climbing trees in the yard and collecting stamps. There were moments with the neighbours children.
"It made me accept challenges as they come. I was taught to work hard, not to waste and also to appreciate what I am given.
"My father was a disciplinarian. When I was young, I wanted to be a number of things.
"This kept changing and now when I look back, I think it is really funny because I have obviously gone far away from those initial thoughts.
"Sometimes it has to do with the glamour of the job, pressure from family or the way society sees a type of job that influences the way young people think about what they should or should not do. But I never thought I would be where I am today."
She went to Gospel Primary School for less than a year before finishing off at Jasper Williams in 1981. She got her secondary education at Jasper Williams High School and on to the University of the South Pacific where she obtained her Bachelors degree. In 1990 she joined the FDB as a research officer and worked her up to be a top staff before her move to SPCA.
A thought on many people's mind is why the move from a well-paid job at FDB to join the animal care field.
"When the position became vacant I thought about it but not that seriously. On the other hand, I had also been seriously thinking about what I was doing and whether it continued to excite me or challenge me in an interesting way.
"I started to think of whether I could do something that was really meaningful to me and was real, something that would make an impact. I knew that it was time to move out of my comfort zone and make use of my experience.
"I wanted to learn and work in the field of animal welfare. All the while, I had the backing and encouragement of a close friend who believed I should take up the challenge.
"That encouragement and support helped me in making the final decision."
She said the interest in animals was always there. Ulamila said they had pet dogs who were her reliable friends.
"I like having them around. They were always there. Even now, I always feel that pets are always there, they are tough and they never give up on you, even when they are sick.
"They are always there to welcome you and follow you to the shop if they can. Some of the benefits of the job are working with animals who are God's creation, helping make a difference for animals though SPCA efforts and meeting people who share or contribute to the efforts of animal welfare.
"For me, it is comforting to know that one is not alone in the battle against cruelty to animals. The Creator is the biggest inspiration in my life because he works in mysterious ways and there are things that after it has happened I wonder, well how could that be possible?
"It makes the struggle worth the effort especially in the field of animal welfare, when one knows there is someone out there looking out for you."
Ulamila said there were a lot of opportunities for those wanting to join SPCA. Her advice to students is weigh the possibility of studying veterinary science.
She said this was particularly useful in a country such as Fiji where there are only a few veterinarians. She said SPCA needed people who share in its vision and goals and most important, those who are passionate about animal welfare in Fiji and can do something about it.
"In life, there are regrets and there are times when one tastes success. It is all about taking risks and wanting to experience life by taking and giving back something to this world and life.
"Joining SPCA, for me, was all about that," said the optimistic director.

Adapted from Fijitimes Online

MEET REPEKA VERETI FROM TUBOU, LAKEBA, LAU

2008-04-06T20:35:00.003+12:00

AS a young girl growing up in the village, Repeka Vereti dreamt of making a name for herself in the world of business when she grew up.
She was born and grew up in Tubou, Lakeba, in Lau, where her father comes from. Repeka has two brothers and four sisters.
Her father died when she was in Form Three and her mother still lives in the village.
Repeka attended Ratu Finau Primary School before entering Ratu Mara College.
The idea to become a business woman came from her father, she says. He was a businessman and had a village store in Tubou.
Repeka said she would spend most of her time helping her father run the family business.
When I was in secondary school, from Form 4 to Form 6, every time we had school break, I would go home and help out in our store after my father died and thats how the idea of becoming a businesswoman came up, she said.
When I finished Form 6 on the island, I decided to complete my education in Suva. I managed to get sponsorship for my school fees at Ballentine Memorial School.
She said she faced difficulties and struggled when she didnt have the support of relatives.
While doing my computer studies in 1993, I applied to work during my school break at the Marine Headquarters. When I completed computer studies, I still couldnt find a job and I knew I couldnt rely on my relatives.
It was the turning point for me . I made up my mind that I would stand up for myself and start a business on my own which was the dream I always had as a child.
Out of all the struggle and difficulties she went through, Repeka was able to overcome them and set her foot towards making her dreams come true.
Repeka now runs her own business at the Flea Market in Suva.
She sells Fijian artifacts like Fijian tapa, woven baskets, special garlands (sisi ni Lakeba), mats, Fijian fans and she also does flower arrangements and sews pillow cases.
When you have the heart and the desire to learn more, youll be able to discover new things as you go along, she says.
Before I didnt know how to weave a mat and to do some of the stuff I now sell, but it always interested me and I was willing to learn new things.
Now married with two children, she says, she now has the support of her husband which motivates her to make her business a success.
Im so fortunate to have a lovely husband who supports me in every decision I make. He is always there for me whenever I need him.
On good selling days, she can earn about $700 to $800 a day, which helps her family and her business.
Repeka believes in treating her customers well.
You will only achieve things if you have the heart and the desire that will motivate you to achieve such things, she says.
I always have faith in my business and I make sure that I provide a good service to my customers and I try to satisfy their needs. I believe when you treat them nicely, theyll enjoy your service for the day and maybe return.
My advice to people thinking of starting their own business, is always have a good heart with a smiling face. Dress up properly and present yourself nicely to customers.

Adapted fromFijitimes Online

MEET ELIESA IRAVA OF LOSA, ITU'TI'U, ROTUMA

2008-03-28T08:44:00.002+13:00

ANY talk of power-lifting automatically draws out a picture of a muscular man. Although Eliesa Irava may seem like that man, his road to becoming one of Fiji's top power-lifting sportsman was not easy.
Despite being the president of the Fiji Power-lifting Association, Eliesa, 42, had a simple upbringing. Born and bred on the island of Rotuma, his parents Kepone and Kijiana Irava were farmers. Originally from Losa, Itu'ti'u, Eliesa always loved sports.
However, the thought of powerlifting was never on his mind. When his father left for Fiji in 1972, Eliesa said his family struggled to survive.
"I was born in Ahau, Rotuma and my parents were simple farmers. We lived a normal village life. My father left for Fiji to find employment. We struggled because our father was not there but we still managed to survive. I came to Suva in 1975 when I was in Class Five. I attended Upu Catholic Mission School in Rotuma then finished my primary education at Samabula Government Boys school (now Suva Primary school). I continued my education at Cathedral Secondary school. I was always interested in sports. But never thought I would eventually take up powerlifting seriously."
After completing secondary school in 1983, he did odd jobs just to help his family. And used to do weightlifting just as a hobby to shape up.
"In secondary school, I tried to be a high jumper but my built and weight did not make that successful. I also took up javelin and realized that I was actually good at it. In 1982 at the Juicy Games (now Coca-Cola Games), I held the record for the Intermediate Boys javelin. That memory and that achievement was one of the greatest because I did not realise that a simple boy from the island could succeed especially in high school.
"I joined Kelton Group in 1988. In 1994, I returned to Fiji from Papua New Guinea and the late Tifere Ravai introduced me to powerlifting. I was inspired by his dedication and commitment to form a powerlifting team for the South Pacific Games in Tahiti. The following year in 1995, I represented Fiji in powerlifting in Tahiti but I did not take it seriously. I just wanted to wear the suit but after the games, I realised I did not win anything and when I looked at all the other lifters who had medals, I wanted to train harder to win like them."
At the Mini SPG in 1997, he won his first gold medal and never looked back.
Eliesa then knew he could win if he set his mind to it. He said the fact that his first gold medal was the last gold medal for Fiji at the mini SPG, was something that has always pushed him to excel further in the sport.
"I have continued to improve my form at every game or competition. In 1998, I won a silver medal at the Oceania Games in Napier, New Zealand and the following year at the South Pacific Challenge and Australia Open powerlifting competition, I won the best overall trophy. It was this placing that I qualified for the World Open Bench Press in 1999 in Finland. Even though I was placed 12th at this competition, the mere fact that I reached a competition where I faced the world's best is amazing," he said.
"The sport has taken me to places I never thought I would go. For most islanders, our physical structure makes us good for sports like this.
"One of the best memories that I have is participating in the 2003 SPG in Fiji. I participated in front of my family and was ecstatic and proud to perform in front of them despite the competition being so intense.
"Winning a gold medal in the 100kg category in front of my family and the home crowd was another bonus."
The father of four said family support was his strength.
He draws inspiration from his father and believes that anyone with the right built and mind can succeed in the sport.
His advice to those thinking of making a name for themselves in powerlifting is there is no easy way to it, just work hard and stay committed.

Adapted from Fijitimes Online

MEET JOSATEKI SAVOU OF TOVU, TOTOYA, LAU

2008-03-24T08:02:00.002+13:00

The mere mention of his name makes people think rugby sevens rugby to be exact.
While many only know him as the coach of the Digicel-sponsored Fiji sevens team, Josateki Savou has been around long enough to read the game better than most people.
However, as far as his personal life goes, it is a guessing game for all those fanatics who expect him to deliver victory after victory.
The eldest of three children, Josateki was born in April, 1969.
Originally from Tovu, Totoya, in Lau, his father was a prison warden and his mother a nurse.
Born and bred in Suva, Josateki spent most of life growing up in prisons quarters at Korovou, Naboro and Ba.
The surprising thing about this rugby coach is that he played soccer before rugby.
Believe it or not, when his family lived in soccer-crazed Ba, he spent most of his time playing soccer with friends.
He was so good at it he seriously considered taking his soccer skills to a professional level.
He attended Ba Mission Primary School. In 1983 he attended Lelean Memorial School after his family moved back to Suva.
He completed Form Six vocational at Ratu Kadavulevu School.
During his last years in primary school and all through his high school days, Josateki's interest in rugby kicked in.
He has fond memories of growing up with his Fijian and Indian friends, saying he was always surrounded with a sporting atmosphere that prompted him to excel in sports.
"I had a normal upbringing, nothing out of the ordinary. My father is a retired prisons officer and my mother a retired nurse," he said.
"I used to play soccer a lot with my friends in Ba. At one stage of my life I was thinking of becoming a soccer rep because I had picked up some soccer skills while playing the game for fun. However, when I was in Class Eight, I started playing rugby and from then on until secondary school, I continued to play rugby.
"When I went to Lelean, I continued to play rugby and that continued when I attended RKS.
"The rugby atmosphere in high school made me want to achieve in this sport but I have never forgotten that at one stage I wanted to be a soccer rep.
"It was not difficult switching from soccer to rugby.
"It almost came naturally for me but I was always determined to achieve high results in whatever I did whether in sports or in my own personal life."
In 1988, he was selected in the Fiji Secondary Schools Under-19 rugby team that toured Australia.
He said the feeling of being selected into the team was indescribable.
Josateki said after his debut in the U19 team, he was invited to play on contract for a year for the Gold Coast rugby club in Brisbane, Australia, in 1989.
The following year, in 1990, he again played his rugby overseas, this time in Napier, New Zealand.
He returned to Fiji in 1991 after he was called to play for the Prisons Nabua team.
"Playing rugby overseas felt good.
"I was confident that my rugby career was going in the right direction.
"I felt happy and excited going to these places and the experiences and memories are opportunities never forgotten.
"It was my first time overseas and even though I enjoyed my time there, I missed home a lot especially my parents.
"The weather was cold and the environment was new for me but I learned a lot while I was there.
"Being selected in the Under 19 team was a dream come true.
"I had always wanted to don the white jersey and I eventually did.
"One piece of advice I can give people is never give up no matter what the obstacles.
"Always stay focused and work hard to achieve your goals.
"With determination and the right focus, you can succeed in anything," he said.

Adapated from Fijitimes Online

MEET SARAS KEWAL OK LAKENA, NAUSORI

2008-03-22T10:40:00.002+13:00

LIKE most kind people, Saras Kewal, pictured. has a passion for helping out the needy.
The regional president for Soroptimist International, Mrs Kewal was brought up at Lakena Village, Nausori. Not having the privilege to live a luxurious life, they lived a life of struggle.
Her father Ram Khelawan was a farmer and mother, Kalas Pati, a housewife.
Life in the village was quite hard especially when her father was the only breadwinner in the family. She said the financial burden of supporting seven children at school was quite hard for her parents who struggled to make ends meet. Fourth in the family, Mrs Kewal said despite the hardships her family faced, togetherness was what helped them overcome all difficulties.
"I was brought up in the village and my father was a farmer. He did not earn much and because there were seven of us in the family, life was very hard,'' she said.
"I came from a poor family background. We struggled a lot when we were in school but we were always there for each other.
"Whenever my parents went to the farm, I would help my other sisters with the house work and look after our younger brothers. When I was younger, I wanted to be a nurse. I wanted to join the medical field simply because I wanted to help people.
"This is something that has always been in my nature ... to help people especially the poor and needy.
"The medical field always inspired me because the feeling of helping some one in need is just overwhelming."
When her family moved to Viria, she attended Viria Public school and in 1974 she attended DAV Girls College.
Unfortunately, financial difficulties forced her to leave school after Form Six.
She then married Ram Kewal, a dentist from Labasa. She said her husband's occupation was very demanding and they were always on the move.
"My husband was a dentist and he travelled a lot. We went to Savusavu and Taveuni.
"In those places, I helped out at the pre-school. I wanted to keep myself occupied especially when the places we went to were mostly remote areas. I volunteered as a pre-school teacher because I wanted to do something with my life and be useful to others.
"It was unfortunate that I was not able to further my education after high school.
"However, I never lost hope and was determined to continue to excel in my life.
"Currently I work at Morris Hedstrom in Walu Bay as a variety buyer for the company.
"Basically, I do variety buying for the company which means I travel to places like New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia and China and get products like home appliances, kitchenware and linen."
She has been working for the company for 15 years. She said she enjoyed her job and was thankful to her employer for believing in her.
Apart from her day job, Saras has continuously shown interest in helping the community.
Her role at Soroptimist International has prompted her to continue promoting the development and achievement of professional women.
"I learned about Soroptimist International when I was in Labasa in 1990.
"I joined the organisation because I knew it was about helping people. This was something I always longed to do. I joined without second thoughts and never regretted spending my time with this organisation.
"I always had a soft spot for poor people. Whenever I see them, I always think of my own upbringing and how I struggled just like them.
"This is the reason why I want to help the poor.
"Whenever I help others, I get satisfaction and happiness knowing that I played a part in making someone else happy.
"That is the best feeling in life. Even if I didn't turn out to be a nurse, I am happy with the way my life turned out," she said.
Saras believes in hard work and support of her family which she considers the thriving force behind her success.
The mother of two said it is only through hard work that a person can achieve anything or succeed in life. Her advice for those who have travelled down the same path is to never lose hope.
"If you have a goal in life and you don't reach that goal, that does not mean it is the end of the world. There is always another opportunity some-where. You just have to look harder,'' said Mrs Kewal.

ADAPTED FROM FIJITIMES ONLINE

MEET HOWARD POLITINI OF HIGHLANDS SCENIC TOURS

2008-03-21T13:30:00.002+13:00

FOR Howard Politini, after completing high school, sailing the high seas was the career path he had set his sights on.
The profession of ship navigator or crew on board large ships was nothing new as he was only following his father's footsteps of being involved in the shipping industry.
"My dad Louise Politini was involved in the shipping industry and it grew on me and I became interested in sailing the big ships," he said.
"The boats that I worked on were known as the bulk carriers."
After finishing school at Ratu Kadavulevu School in Tailevu, he went to the School of Maritime studying a diploma in nautical science majoring in ship navigation.
"I attended Holy Trinity for my primary education and then went on to Suva Grammar before finishing off at RKS," he said.
"I was sailing on container ships between Australia and New Zealand and it came to a point where it was not good for my marriage life.
"So my wife suggested that we try out eco-tours to the highlands as there was a market for it.
"I signed off the ship and totally finished off my sailing career from 2001-2004."
Howard said in getting his partnership business Highlands Scenic Eco-tours started with his wife, Paulini, has been good so far.
"Since getting into this business I have no regrets," he said.
"My wife has been involved in the tourism industry so she had checked around to see what was in demand."
Highland Scenic Eco-tours has been in operation for the last two years.
He said a normal day's tour would involve a trip to the highlands up to the Rewa Bridge visiting villages with tourists.
He said when tours were conducted to villages, tourists were encouraged to visit schools and learn more about the surroundings.
He said guests were touched by the hospitality of villagers.
"Looking at the struggles here as well makes the tourists appreciate what they all have back home."
Many tourists, he said, go back home and try and send books for needy students here.
"We also set up a scholarship trust fund to cater for the needs of students. Most students benefit from this, especially the ones who don't have relatives who work in towns and have good jobs and their parents are solely developed on the land
"The scholarship was initiated last year and is kept within the school. If he had not changed his career, he would have still been sailing the high seas.
"I know people would ask why go out of my way to get things done. But if every man has a heart he would go out of his way to help the needy."
Howard said young people should "seek the Lord with all their hearts and strength in everything they do''.
"And never fail from their calling to help the poor and needy in society."

ADAPTED FROM FIJITIMES ONLINE

MEET VIRISILA BUADROMO OF NAYAU, LAU

2008-03-21T13:26:00.002+13:00

WOMEN in Fiji should be inspired and motivated by the international recognition she has gained, says Fiji Women's Right's Movement executive director Virisila .
Ms Buadromo received the International Woman of Courage Award from United States Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice this month.
Ms Buadromo said she felt humbled when told she was one of eight recipients of the award.
She said she was quite shocked at first because she didn't think she would receive such an award or was worthy of it.
"The award is a recognition of exemplary courage in trying to promote democracy but, to me, I see it as a recognition of the struggles and determination of women in standing for human rights, democracy, etc," said Ms Buadromo.
"We have maintained our stand throughout the four coups that we have experienced and have not waivered. This award shows that if you stand for truth and justice, you will be recognised and this award should encourage and inspire women.
"I saw it as an opportunity to raise awareness about the political crises and what we have been going through."

CONGRATULATIONS VIRISILA !

Adapted from Fijitimes Online

MEET JOSEFA BILITAKI OF NAIGANI ISLAND, LOMAIVITI

2008-03-19T08:10:00.002+13:00

HE is a guitarist, a composer, a social worker and a school teacher but 55-year-old Qauia Villager Josefa Bilitaki, pictured, still manages to juggle all his roles with great ease.
Mr Bilitaki, who is originally from Naigani Island, has been a school teacher for the past 31 years and says he has loved every minute of his teaching career as well.
His love for teaching was inspired by his younger siblings who he used to teach when he was in school.
"I come from a big family of eight with six brothers and a sister and I remember teaching them to read the Bible and helped with their school work,'' he said.
"This is what inspired me to become a teacher and I have never regretted my decision," he said.
Mr Bilitaki is the assistant headteacher at the Dudley Intermediate School in Suva.
His love for teaching and his passion for playing the 12-string guitar encouraged him to compose songs on current issues of concern in the country.
His interest in music grew when his elder brothers used to play the guitar at home and from listening to songs on the radio.
"I have always been the crowd magnet ever since I was young and that has, I believe, also enabled me to write about things and to be able to interact with others.
"I have composed more than 11 original songs about issues we are facing in Fiji today and I am training a young student from Laucala Bay Secondary School who will be singing it for me,' he said.
Some of the issues which he has written about so far include the plight of Vatukoula gold miners and their families, Akesa Drotini, people living with HIV/AIDS in Fiji, a song about special people and how they are treated in Fiji and his recent one is about women and children who are victims of sexual crimes.
"Prior to this, I composed a song on reconciliation in Fiji after the 2000 coup and it has been recorded in three different languages here," he said.
Apart from devoting his time to music, Mr Bilitaki works with the youths in Qauia Village to help them earn a decent living.
"Most of the young boys in the village are unemployed and because we do not want them to fall into any bad group and start a life of crime, we have started a youth group called Muaniwavu Youth Group.
"These youths work together and plant vegetables and dalo in the field which is available behind the village.
"They work hard on the farm and are able to sell the produce and earn money.
"I am their adviser and I help them to get ideas on how to raise funds for the group.
"I also encourage them to improve their lives both morally and spiritually,' said Mr Bilitaki.
Mr Bilitaki believes that land is our greatest gift from God and we should make use of it to live an honest life.
"There are some young people who believe that following a life of crime would be their easy way to earn money but I want to tell them that it is not true.
"I have visited almost all the prisons in Fiji and, believe me, no young person would want to go there.
"My advice to young people is that the prison is the last place that they would want to be in," he said.
Mr Bilitaki says young people who are not able to get jobs should try to work on their land to earn their living.
He says hardwork, dedication and determination were the keys to succes in life.
He also believes in living a life for others and helping people.
"This is what life is all about. To make a difference in as many lives as possible.''

Adapted from Fijitimes Online

MEET EPELI NASOME OF NAWAMAGI, CONUA, NADROGA

2008-01-20T13:27:00.000+13:00

Don't be fooled by the absence of an air-conditioning unit as you enter the office of the Director of Environment Epeli Nasome's office at Civic Towers. It's not a matter of conserving energy, he said.
"Just make do with the electrical fan in the corner."
As our two-hour interview unfolds, Mr Nasome an environmentalist at heart and one of the rarest of sincerest gentlemen around, apologises for the lack of air-conditioning.
Here sits a man who given the chance would read comics all day particularly Superman, Batman and Spiderman. I laughed. The humour does not end there. Try taking him away from the television set on Thursday evenings and you may not get a very receptive man because Smallville just happens to be his favourite television show.
He quickly takes our mind off the humidity outside as he turns the conversation to his high school days at Marist Brothers High School.
He fondly recollects how as boarders, they would creep into the Marist Brothers teachers' kitchen and make away with pots, buckets, sugar and whatever other ingredients necessary for home brew.
"Well-hidden in the backyard garden of our hostel were buckets and pots of home brew," Mr Nasome said.
Amid the calm story teller, there is much laughter, as he said the Catholic Brothers at the prominent school would ask the students about the missing utensils and food from their kitchen.
"If they only knew we were making home brew in our very own backyard at the hostel," Mr Nasome recalls with a wicked smile.
"We only made home brew because we could not afford beer and alcohol, and this particular event only took place towards the end of a school year when there was an upcoming dance with St Joseph's Secondary School." Among his group of high school friends were former military colonel Ratu George Kadavulevu, Lui Vunibobo - son of former Cabinet minister for Finance Berenado Vunibobo, Fiji's Ambassador to Brussels Ratu Tui Cavuilati and former whip Pio Wong.
"They maybe chiefly and well-respected now but in our day, it was a different story," he said.
"Pio(Wong) had a hard time keeping us in line as head boy
"We still call each other the nicknames we had since high school. It's just a matter of keeping the memories alive."
At Marist Brothers High School, he was housed with his peers in a boarding house separated from another hostel which housed students who were aspiring Catholic brothers.
"They had to keep us as far apart as they could in case we spoilt their chance of joining the brotherhood," Mr Nasome said.
Mr Nasome is from Nawamagi Village in the tikina of Conua, Sigatoka Valley.
At the tender age of five, he was thrown into boarding school in Levuka Public School because of the nature of his parents' jobs as civil servants.
His late father was a doctor and his mother, 79, who lives down the road from him was a teacher. Their jobs entailed a lot of moving.
The eldest of a family of four, he has one brother and two sisters. He has three children, the younger two opting to follow in their grandfather's footsteps to become doctors in the medical profession.
At Levuka Public School, he calls to mind how he was caned on four occasions for sneaking out of hostel at night along with his peers to visit relatives for food.
"I was caned four times by the hostel manager who was a big guy of Rotuman decent," he said. The hockey-crazy town had no proper hockey field, so Mr Nasome and his friends were among those who used cassava sticks "as long as they had a hook-like end" for the sport.
"Levuka is a rocky place so naturally there weren't any proper playing fields," he said.
"But any space would do for us back then.
"Our hockey ball was either a stone, a rock or a piece of wood anything to get the game going." Mr Nasome, Fiji's first Director of Environment for the Department of Environment, identified his love for structural drawing and woodwork at a tender age.
And he stuck to it until he completed high school.
"It made me realise I was good in planning work through drawing. At the end of high school, I made up my mind I would take up planning in the sense of town planning, even architecture." Never in his wildest dreams did it cross his mind that his fate would change and someday he would become the director of a pivotal department that would shape the impact of development on the environment in Fiji.
"While I had applied for jobs in the architectural field, the opening came when I was accepted for a job at Town and Country Planning. That's how I got into the government. Over time, I came to realise with planning there were also some problems associated with the environment like if buildings were not built properly and not located in proper areas there'd be problems like flooding.
We could see that things can affect the community through bad planning. This was brought to my attention when I was doing my bachelor in Planning Studies at Auckland University back in 1982 and link between environmental planning and the significance of physical planning was strengthened.
"When I got back from studying in 1989, the Director of Country Planning, the former Speaker of the House Pita Nacuva formed this Department of Environment within Town Planning. He also realised there was much room for consideration of development and the problems linked to the environment. "Fortunately at that time, I was attached to an Australian expatriate Stewart Chape who came to Fiji to set up this unit. There were three of us for this unit, so when he left, I ran the unit alone. It became a Department of Environment in 1983 and at this stage it was a one-man department," Mr Nasome said.
Over time, the department grew with Governments realising the importance of environment management which was when talks about development and its impact on environment surfaced in Fiji, he said.
"I didn't realise it would be this soon that a department of environment would be formed because the emphasis in those days was development.
Development was priority. Activities that generated monetary activities for the Government and employment, were always the agenda.
And here was this small unit - within the Town and Country Planning which began in 1982 to develop and change this vast and well-established way of thinking.
"We were trying to break that barrier to change that approach to development such that our environment is protected.
"We were working against long-established ministries like agriculture, fisheries, forestry and mining which were developed many years before we came along.
"What we established in 1982 we didn't realise would become a department around this time. It even became a ministry at one time.
"We didn't think it would come soon breaking barriers with these ministries.
"For fisheries, it was to sell as much fish as possible to get funds from overseas for the government, for forestry it was to cut as much timber possible and sell it off for funds for Fiji. In mining get whatever from here and there and sell whatever was dug up to generate income and employment. We didn't envision that within 10 to 15 years we would change the mind set. Now we have been able to include environment management into their policies. For fisheries, they have a sustainable management policy."
TODAY
At 55 years of age, he said he will accept the outcome of the court battle over the civil servant retirement age against the interim administration. If the ruling favours the unions who want the retirement age retained at 60 years of age, Mr Nasome would gladly serve another five years
Mr Nasome relives his young days where he met his future bride, Vika of Nabukadra Village, Ra.
"We met while we were studying at USP. I believe she was the one that got attracted to me because she made the approach. I didn't hesitate. And she's from Ra, you know, ma'e na ma'e," he said. Ma'e na ma'e is a war cry for the people of Ra.
Mr Nasome speaks highly of his children who are high-achievers, particularly his youngest daughter Sereana who he claims takes after her mother.
"She's the bossy one, the strong one and also a doctor who passed out of the Fiji Medical School last year," he said.
The highlights of his life include the birth of his first grand child.
"Its hard to control your emotions over cute little things like him (grandson). We can't help pampering him much as it is against his parents wishes. Who can blame us with the children all married and gone and we're left alone at home. Besides it's our first experience as grandparents so it is forgivable," Mr Nasome said.

Adapted from Fijitimes Online

MEET KATERINA TEAIWA OF RABI, FIJI

2008-01-15T19:46:00.000+13:00

VINAKA VAKALEVU Katerina for your wilingness to be profiled on Fijituwawa. We wish you all the best in your future endeavours!

My name is Katerina Martina Teaiwa
My father is Banaban and I-Kiribati from Rabi Island in Fiji.
My mother is African American from Washington D.C.
I was born in Savusavu and raised in Lautoka and Suva.

What is your heritage link to Fiji?

The British moved the Banabans from the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony to Fiji in 1945 and my great grandfather and grandfather came with that group. The Banabans inhabit Rabi Island in northern Fiji. It was bought as a freehold island for us but there are Rabian (or Rabean) descendents in Vanua Levu and Taveuni who are still connected to their ancestral island.

Since you are based overseas (Hawaii & lately Australia), what do you do to remind you of Fiji?

I do writing and research that is related to Fiji particularly on Banabans, contemporary Pacific dance and the rise of creative and cultural industries.

Can you share your educational background?
I went to Yat-Sen Primary School and St. Joseph’s Secondary School in Suva. I have a Bachelors of Science from Santa Clara University, an MA in Pacific Islands Studies from the University of Hawai'i, and a PhD in Anthropology from the Australian National University. When I wasn’t in school or overseas I spent my time in Suva performing with my younger sister, Maria, at the Tradewinds, the Red Cross Fashion Show and the Barn! I also worked for Radio Fiji as an announcer in 1991 and 1994.

How do you describe yourself as someone of a mixed heritage?

I identify myself as a person of Banaban, I-Kiribati and African American descent from Fiji.

What are some barriers you faced as someone of mixed descent?

In Fiji Banabans are a minority group that do not have the same rights as Fijians. They are not always visible economically and politically but Banaban dance is famous in Fiji. We are in a category called “Others.”

What are some of the benefits you have had as someone of mixed ancestry?

I understand and am connected to multiple worlds that hold multiple possibilities for family, identity, education, creativity, and my career.

How would you share your family links and stories to your children?

I don’t have children…yet. I plan on having about 10... or less. But I always remind my niece and nephews in the USA and New Zealand of their Pacific heritage.

What are some of the key lessons you will leave behind with your children for them to remember as someone of mixed ancestry?

Relationships, kinship and land (including the sea and sky) are the most important things for Pacific Islanders. When you are confident with who you are and your role in this world, you have no trouble being compassionate and generous, thus sharing your land and extending your kin networks to others.

Any comments you would like to share to those of the same mixed ancestry as you reading this page?

It’s cool to be mixed, and it’s cool not to be either. Ethnicity and race are not as important as attitude, culture and values. A strong identity is what makes us Pacific islanders but being nice, having a genuine spiritual consciousness, caring for the environment and for others is far more important.

If there are other Banaban-I-Kiribati-African Americans out there, other then my two sisters and I, I’d be really surprised and really happy to meet them!

VINAKA KATERINA! LOLOMA FROM THE FIJITUWAWA TEAM!

MEET KARALAINI BALEBULA

2008-01-12T18:56:00.000+13:00

OPENING up a business of her own was a dream that came true for Karalaini Balebula (pictured).

Ms Balebula, 36, opened a hair saloon named Vines Hair Saloon in Suva last week.

Ms Balebula, who used to work for Katz Hair Saloon, said she used to manage the business for the owner.

"I worked there for one year three months until it closed down. When I was there I started my business plan and leaned from the hair dressers how to do hairdressing," she said.

"I had managerial skills but needed to learn the basics in hair dressing to actually open up a hair saloon of my own," she said.

Ms Balebula had hired three hair dressers, who she described as very helpful and dedicated.

She said her interest in hair dressing came since she started work at Katz.

"When it closed down I was very disappointed that I lost my job but I then started to implement the idea that I had to start something of my own," she said.

Ms Balebula, who lives at Milverton Road, said it took her six months to open up the saloon.

Ms Balebula did a business course with the National Centre for Small and Micro Enterprises Development unit.

She said the course helped her make her business plans and taught her managerial skills to operate a small business.

In future, she hopes to expand to other parts of Suva and to the Western Division.

Adapted from Fijitimes Online

MEET ELENOA MARAMA LUVENITOGA

2008-01-08T19:17:00.001+13:00

Elenoa Marama Luvenitoga defines life as a great challenge. She should know, having early in life decided it was her duty to take care of her siblings.
She was a fourth former at Sila Central High School when her mother died and her father was a casual worker with the Public Works Department.
That was when she made up her mind to look after her brothers and sisters.
My youngest sister was only 18 months when my mother died, she said.
She was 13 at the time faced difficulties most people never face in their life.
Four years after my mothers death, the situation got worse when my father decided to remarry, she said.
She said she ill-treated by her step-mother and decided to find a job to support her siblings.
She worked as the house girl for the then expatriate manager of the Fiji Museum.
After working for four years she married Watisoni Qalubau and they had five children Amelia, Loloma, Sailosi, Makereta and Vilisi.
Her husband was a police officer and after retiring the family moved to his village in Vatoa, Bau. He then worked with the General Security Service for three years. But not long after disaster struck when her husband died from a heart attack.
It was a hard time for me. My youngest daughter was 15 months old when her father died, she said.
Trying to look after the family and plant food for us was really a hard thing, she said. We were fortunate that we had my husbands FNPF to live on, she said.
She applied for a house with the Public Rental Board and was given a double-storey barrack flat in Raiwai housing.
She then began searching for jobs and finally got an interview.
I was employed by the Eagle Cleaning Company, she said.
When I started work I was paid $74 a week but now I receive about $91-$100 a week, she said.
With the little money I was earning I was able to send all my children to school, she said.
She personifies the hard life, waking up at 4am every day to cook their breakfast and do household chores before going to work at 7am and putting in 11 hours daily.
She works at Fiji Times Ltd for five hours daily and then goes to the Dolphins food court and puts in another six hours there.
Working as a cleaner was nothing new to Elenoa as she had been doing that all her life.
Now aged 59, she lives with her son on Mead Road, in Nabua, Suva.
My daughters are all married but I live with my son who works in the maintenance department of the University of the South Pacific, she said.
I usually pay for the rent and my son pays for our bills and we both contribute in the buying of food and groceries, she said.
She recalls all the hardship she faced in the bringing up her siblings, saying it was slowly paying off today because they now helped her financially when she needs.
Elenoa admits her greatest mentor was her father.
She recalls that when their mother died, how their father would wake up early in the morning to do some house chores, before leaving for work.
She admits learning how to clean and do other household chores at a very young age.
The only thing that has kept me going throughout the years is what my mother taught me.
Every time I feel discouraged I recall what my mother usually told me, saying that the running and the functioning of a family is the wifes responsibility, she said.
That , she believes, is what has been giving her the courage to overcome the obstacles she faces.
She always reminds her children to be thankful for what they have.
Her advice to widows or women who have separated from their husbands is simple: Just invest in your children for they are the only hope youve got for the future.
She said bringing up a family as a single parent is not an easy thing. One should always believe in them and sacrifice is the key to success, she said.

Adapted from Fijitimes Online

MEET AKANISI UTA OF TOVU, TOTOYA IN LAU

2008-01-05T15:29:00.000+13:00

AKANISI Uta is living testimony of perseverance in the face of adversity. When fate dealt her a body blow, she refused to roll over and give up.
It might have been the greatest struggle of life but she gladly sacrificed to raise her family and earn enough to feed and clothe them.
Shortly after her separation from her husband in 1989, she and her children had to live in a church hall because they had nowhere to go. But her steely resolve helped her overcome that and eventually she was able to get a HART home and re-build her family life.
Today, she uses her talent and skills to feed her family.
Having a child working has helped greatly in paying the bills.
Uta, as she is affectionately known, hails from Tovu, on Totoya in Lau.
She was educated at Totoya District Primary School and came to Suva to further her education at Sila Central High School.
She completed fifth form before starting work with Morris Hedstrom.
She put in the decade of dedication with the country's largest retail chain before resigning to give birth to her third child and take care of the other children.
To help pay the bills, she made mats, salusalu and other handicraft and sold them to market vendors.
In 1989, Uta separated from her husband and was legally divorced in 1991.
"I went with the children and lived with relatives but things did not work out," she said.
"We then moved out from the relative's house and had to stay in a church hall."
Lucky for her and her children, a relative, who happened to be the wife of the then HART director, told her husband about Uta's situation.
Uta was advised to apply for housing.
She qualified and in 1991 was given a Housing Assistance Relief Trust home in Nasole, Nasinu.
Now, aged 55, she lives with her children Raijeli, 25, is a student at the Fiji Institute of Technology; Toga, 24, is working and Luisa, 23, is a student at the University of the South Pacific.
"Being left alone with my children was a great challenge, especially when you're a single mother trying to fulfill both the parental roles," Uta said.
"We are really fortunate that Toga is working and Luisa is a FAB-sponsored student, which has lightened the load a bit."
Social Welfare gives the family $60 a month to supplement the income she gets from selling her salusalu, mats, doormats and other handicraft.
Uta plants vegetables in front of their home for their own use.
She pays $5 a week rent and $2.92 a week for rubbish to be cleared and water.

Adapated from Fijitimes Online